Media Statement: South Africa Water Polo NPC

26 March 2025

This media statement dated 26 March 2025 announces that Swimming South Africa has brought urgent proceedings against South Africa Water Polo NPC alleging breaches of the National Sport and Recreation Act, with a hearing originally set for 2 April 2025 now postponed to allow for mediation or full court preparation. Both parties have agreed interim undertakings—no denigratory public communications, no interference with each other’s communications, and no encouragement of boycotts—on a without-prejudice basis.

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MEDIA STATEMENT
26 March 2025 water polo – media statement

Background
On 26 March 2025, Swimming South Africa, the national federation for aquatics (including swimming and water polo), brought urgent proceedings against South Africa Water Polo NPC, its directors and its interim executive committee, on the basis of allegations that the latter were infringing the National Sport and Recreation Act 110 of 1998, among other regulatory provisions both nationally and internationally, relating to the administration of water polo.

The matter was set down for hearing before the Western Cape Division of the High Court, Cape Town, on 2 April 2025. However, in the interests of ensuring that the important and complex issues raised therein are properly ventilated, the parties have agreed to postpone the hearing of the matter to a later date, for the following purposes:

Purpose Details
Mediation To enable Swimming South Africa and South African Water Polo to engage, with a mediator if necessary, in an attempt to resolve the matter without recourse to litigation.
Litigation Prep If mediation fails, to allow for a comprehensive exchange of papers and the proper ventilation of the matter before Court.

Interim Undertakings
In reaching this agreement to postpone the matter, Swimming South Africa and South Africa Water Polo have made the following interim undertakings that will apply between the parties until this matter is finally resolved:

Undertaking Details
Non-denigratory Communication Neither party shall publish or disseminate any public communication (media statements, social media posts, or interviews) that denigrates the other party.
Non-interference Neither party shall interfere with the other’s communications; this does not oblige either party to initiate or transmit the other’s messages.
No Boycott Encouragement South Africa Water Polo, its directors, and its executive committee shall not encourage any boycott of the events or teams of Swimming South Africa.

Without Prejudice
The agreement to postpone and the exchange of undertakings are made on a without-prejudice basis, and neither party has conceded any of the allegations or arguments of the other side.

Parent/Guardian Agreement

Nelson Mandela Bay Schools Water Polo Parent/Guardian Agreement

As a parent or guardian of a player representing Nelson Mandela Bay Schools Water Polo, you play a critical role in supporting your child’s growth, fostering team spirit, and upholding the values of the organization. By signing this agreement, you acknowledge your responsibilities and commitment to the team’s success and well-being.

Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct

1. Support and Encouragement

  • Encourage your child to do their best in both training and competitions.
  • Focus on their effort and improvement rather than solely on outcomes or wins.
  • Celebrate their achievements while teaching them to handle setbacks with resilience.

2. Respect for Coaches and Officials

  • Show respect for coaches, referees, and officials during games and practices.
  • Trust the decisions of coaches regarding player selection, team strategies, and game management.
  • Avoid confronting coaches or officials during matches or training sessions; address concerns in private, at an appropriate time.

3. Positive Role Modeling

  • Demonstrate good sportsmanship by supporting all players, not just your child.
  • Refrain from using abusive language, making derogatory remarks, or engaging in aggressive behavior toward players, officials, or other parents.
  • Maintain a positive attitude that aligns with the values of Nelson Mandela Bay Schools Water Polo.

4. Communication

  • Keep the coaching staff informed of any personal, medical, or scheduling issues affecting your child’s participation.
  • Respond promptly to communications from the team or organization.
  • Raise concerns respectfully with team leadership, using official communication channels.

5. Commitment to Team Values

  • Ensure your child attends all practices, games, and tournaments, barring emergencies or prior arrangements with the coach.
  • Reinforce the importance of discipline, respect, and teamwork in your child’s participation.
  • Promote inclusivity and respect for all team members, regardless of background or ability.

6. Financial Responsibility

  • Fulfill financial obligations related to team participation, including registration fees, tournament costs, and any other agreed-upon expenses.
  • Notify the organization in advance if you experience difficulties in meeting financial commitments to explore possible solutions.

7. Safety and Welfare

  • Ensure your child is well-prepared for training and matches, including proper hydration, nutrition, and appropriate gear.
  • Inform the coaching staff of any medical conditions or injuries that may impact your child’s participation.
  • Cooperate with the organization’s efforts to create a safe and supportive environment for all players.

Acknowledgment and Agreement

By signing below, I confirm that I have read and understood this Parent/Guardian Agreement. I agree to adhere to the guidelines and expectations outlined herein and to support my child and the team in a positive and respectful manner.

Player’s Name: _________________________
Parent/Guardian Name: _________________________
Signature: _____________________________
Date: _________________________________

Additional Parent/Guardian Name (if applicable): _________________________
Signature: _____________________________
Date: _________________________________

NMB Water Polo Indemnity

Information to follow…

Player Code of Conduct

Player Code of Conduct

Player Code of Conduct

Nelson Mandela Bay Schools Water Polo

Last updated: June 2 2026 · Version 1.0

As a representative of Nelson Mandela Bay Schools Water Polo, each player is expected to uphold the highest standards of behaviour, both in and out of the pool. By following this Player Code of Conduct, you contribute to the spirit of teamwork, sportsmanship, and respect that defines our organisation.

1. Respect

  • Respect your teammates, coaches, opponents, referees, and all officials at all times.
  • Value the contributions of every team member and foster a supportive environment.
  • Handle disagreements calmly and with maturity, allowing coaches or team leaders to mediate if necessary.

2. Sportsmanship

  • Demonstrate fair play and integrity during games, practices, and tournaments.
  • Accept decisions made by referees without complaint or confrontation.
  • Celebrate victories with humility and accept defeats with grace, always learning from the experience.

3. Commitment

  • Attend all practices, matches, and tournaments as scheduled, unless excused by a coach.
  • Be punctual and come prepared with the necessary equipment and mindset.
  • Give 100% effort during training sessions and games to improve your skills and contribute to the team.

4. Communication

  • Inform coaches in advance if you cannot attend a practice or match.
  • Approach coaches with questions, concerns, or feedback in a respectful manner.
  • Maintain open and respectful communication with teammates and parents.

5. Discipline

  • Adhere to team rules, schedules, and directives from coaches and staff.
  • Avoid unsportsmanlike behaviour, including foul language, aggressive actions, or inappropriate gestures.
  • Refrain from engaging in behaviours that could damage the reputation of Nelson Mandela Bay Schools Water Polo.

6. Representation

  • Wear the team uniform with pride and present yourself as a positive ambassador of the team.
  • Represent Nelson Mandela Bay Schools Water Polo with dignity, both at events and in the community.
  • Use social media responsibly, ensuring that any posts about the team or teammates reflect positively on the organisation.

7. Inclusivity

  • Welcome and support players of all backgrounds and abilities, fostering a sense of unity and belonging.
  • Participate in programs that encourage younger or less experienced players to grow in the sport.

8. Health and Safety

  • Prioritise your physical and mental well-being by staying hydrated, eating healthily, and getting adequate rest.
  • Inform your coach of any injuries or conditions that may affect your ability to participate.
  • Follow all safety guidelines provided during training and matches.

9. Anti-Bullying and Harassment

  • Treat everyone with kindness and respect, refraining from any form of bullying, harassment, or exclusion.
  • Report any incidents of bullying or harassment to a coach or trusted adult immediately.

10. Accountability

  • Take responsibility for your actions and their impact on the team.
  • Accept constructive feedback as an opportunity for growth.
  • Always strive to be the best version of yourself, on and off the field.

Acknowledgment

By signing this document, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to adhere to the Nelson Mandela Bay Schools Water Polo Player Code of Conduct. I understand that failure to comply may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or removal from the team.

Player’s Name: _________________________
Signature: _____________________________
Date: _________________________________

Parent/Guardian Name (if under 18): _________________________
Signature: _____________________________
Date: _________________________________