SAWP Winter Series 2025

2 April 2025

Winter water polo

This announcement introduces the inaugural SAWP Winter Series—a national franchise water polo competition taking place at Newton Park Indoor Pool in Gqeberha from Friday 8 to Sunday 10 August 2025, featuring four men’s and four women’s teams selected via draft, with experienced coaches and referees and bonus points for shootouts and close results. It outlines the event format, development focus for 2026, costs (~R5 000 per player), registration process (deadline 31 May 2025), and thanks NMB Water Polo for sponsorship support

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BIG NEWS FOR 2025
We’re excited to announce the first SAWP Winter Series—South Africa’s first national franchise water polo competition. It kicks off this August in Nelson Mandela Bay, with plans to expand to more locations in 2026.

WHY IT MATTERS

  • More high-performance polo

  • More inclusivity

  • Real development in action

THE FORMAT

Aspect Description
Teams Four Men’s & Four Women’s teams
Player Selection Via draft system
Coaches & Referees Assigned based on experience
Bonus Points For shootouts and close results

WINTER SERIES 2026 DEVELOPMENT FOCUS
A 90-minute development clinic will be included as part of the weekend—the first step in our transformation plan.

EVENT DETAILS

Detail Information
Dates Friday 8 – Sunday 10 August 2025
Venue Newton Park Indoor Pool, Gqeberha
Cost per Player Approx. R5 000 (includes flights, accommodation, meals, kit)
Registration Deadline 31 May 2025

Sponsorship available on request.
REGISTER NOW, PAY LATER.

SPONSOR ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Thanks to NMB Water Polo for sponsoring accommodation, transfers, pool hire, referees, and Saturday dinner.

HOW TO ENTER
Sign up via the online form by 31 May 2025. After this, the draft process begins immediately. Only players registered with SAWP may enter the draft—register at southafricawaterpolo.co.za.

CONTACT
Duncan Woods
Performance Portfolio, SAWP Founding Committee
Cell: 082 776 1705
Email: duncanwoods2008@gmail.com

FOR THE LOVE OF POLO. LET’S GO!

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: _________________________________