Hamilton Canoe Polo

School Grade competition

Below are some hints and tips for team managers, parents and players alike. 

• The club runs canoe polo in Hamilton and promotes a fun, friendly competition with an emphasis on sportsmanship and fair play.  As we have players of different standards and ages playing the same grade we encourage the bigger/stronger/older players to “dial it down a bit”.  If we find players are too aggressive we reserve the right to speak to players/managers or parents to make the games enjoyable for all.

  
  

• The club provides all of the playing equipment needed for teams to compete (Boat, Spray Skirt, PFD, Helmet and Paddle).

  
  

• The players need to bring togs, towel and a sports top to play in.  A warm top to put on after the game is recommended.

  
  

• The Club runs two grades of competition, School Grade and Open Grade.  If the student wishes to play open grade they are most welcome to.  This grade is separate from school grade in the fact it is adult orientated and of a higher standard.  We encourage the better school players to attend open grade and recommend team’s trialling for a national competition to play.

  
  

• With games starting on time and a short turn around between games teams and players need to be organised.  We recommend getting set up with as much gear as possible before your game.  The club has a number of boats and helmets that players can set up for themselves before they play while other teams are playing. 

  
  

• If you see other teams needing a hand to get ready please help out.  The faster people get on the pool the more game time everyone gets.

  
  

• There is a limited amount of equipment to practise before your game.  This is on a first come first served basis.  The club will use this time to help you warm up and coach some boat, ball and game skills.

  
  

• While players are learning the sport it’s a good idea to turn up early and watch other games.  See what better teams/players do, learn from mistakes that other learners make.  Members of the committee will be around helping out.  Have one sit with your team and discuss what’s happening on the pool.

  
  

• If players wish to warm up with a ball around the Waterworld grounds they are most welcome to grab a ball.  Please make sure they are far enough away from the pool that any overthrows don’t end up in the pool effecting others games.

  
  

• Please make sure your players don’t bounce the Polo balls on the ground.  It wears off the grip making gameplay difficult.

  
  

• If another team is short players we get other players to fill in until their player/s turn up or even play the whole game.  This is a great way to get extra game time but please remember that some teams may be of a better or less standard so we reserve the right to not stack teams, or may place restrictions on the extra players.

  
  

• If you know your team will be short players let the club know via email [email protected] and we’ll arrange other players.

  
  

• The club is run by volunteers and has volunteer referees.  As such some of these people are still learning themselves.  If you have dispute about a call or rule judgement please address your concerns either during a break in play or to a club official who will help with reff calls and umpiring decisions.

  
  

• As Hamilton has only one school league all schools play against each other.  This may make some games one sided.  If you are finding your teams is always winning please respect that others may be still learning.  For the sake of sportsmanship, it may be better to split your team into two and have some learners from your school and better players mixing things up.  If your better players are wanting to make up a team for harder games they are most welcome to play as team in open grade.

  
  

• If you find your team is struggling please feel free to contact the club about coaching and/or advice of your game play.