Here are some of the most commonly asked questions we receive about Water Polo. We will continue to update this page as new enquiries come in. If you have questions not listed please contact us here and we will be happy to help.

Water Polo in Melbourne

1. When are the Club Water Polo seasons in Melbourne?
   The Summer Water Polo season typically runs from October to March. There is a Winter season which currently runs through term 2&3.

2. Is there a schools Water Polo competition in Melbourne?
   Yes a number of school sporting organisations run Water Polo competitions including GSV, AGSV and APS.

3. Where are the Water Polo matches played in Melbourne?
   For club competition most games are played at the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre (MSAC). Some games are also played at Melbourne High School, Caulfield Grammar and Hawthorn Aquatic Centre.

4. How many times a week do Water Polo players train?
   Typically Water Polo training is 1-3 times per week depending on the team. For information on Richmond training times please see our training page here.

5. Can I play if I have never played before?
   Yes, we have both kids and adults who join our club as beginners each season. Our coaches are experienced with introducing the skills and rules of Water Polo to beginners in a supportive and encouraging environment.

6. The season has begun, can I start playing now?
   During the season, certain teams on our roster may have openings for additional players. If you have prior experience, there's a possibility of playing in one of these teams. In the case where teams have reached their full capacity, there is the option to participate in our training sessions. This will not only help you develop your skills but also allow you to get to know the players and coaches in preparation for the next competition season.
   For information on teams and getting started contact us here for more information.

Water Polo in Australia

1. How many people play Water Polo in Australia?
   Across Australia there are more than 100 clubs and 18,000 individual registered Water Polo players throughout the country.

2. Is Australia good at Water Polo?
   Yes, Australia has a strong tradition of playing high level Water Polo. During the World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan in July 2023 the Australian Women’s team (the Stingers) finished 4th and the Men (the Sharks) finished 10th.

Water Polo in General

1. Does Water Polo ruin your swim stroke?
   We have heard this question many times and think no. We had 6 junior members compete at the Australian Swimming Championships in 2023 who enjoy the team aspect of Water Polo and find it compliments their swimming.

2. Do you have to be good at swimming to play Water Polo?
   While being a strong swimmer is certainly an advantage in Water Polo, it's not an absolute requirement for playing the sport. Water Polo involves a combination of swimming, treading water, and ball-handling skills. Players need to be comfortable in the water and have a basic level of swimming proficiency to navigate the pool effectively.

3. Is Water Polo one of the hardest sports?
   Yes, Water Polo is often considered one of the hardest sports due to its intense physical demands, which include swimming, treading water, and continuous movement throughout the match.

4. What's harder, Water Polo or Football?
   The difficulty of sports is subjective, but both Water Polo and Football require unique skills. Water Polo demands strong swimming ability and stamina, while Football focuses on precise footwork and endurance.

5. Is Water Polo the hardest sport in the Olympics?
   Water Polo is undoubtedly one of the most physically demanding sports in the Olympics, known for its high intensity and non-stop action.

6. Where is water polo most popular in the world?
   Water polo is now popular in many countries around the world, notably Europe (particularly in Italy, Spain, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, France, Germany, Greece, Malta, Montenegro, the Netherlands and Romania), Australia, Brazil, Canada and the United States.

7. Is Water Polo a good sport for women and children?
   Water Polo is a great sport for anyone over the age of 8 who can swim. with many divisions and age groups this is a sport that everyone can play.

8. Why do Water Polo players wear caps?
   Water Polo players wear caps for identification and protection. Caps also help reduce the risk of injury during the fast-paced gameplay.

9. Do Water Polo caps keep water out?
   Water Polo caps are not designed to keep water out entirely.

10. What are the basic Water Polo rules?
    Water Polo is played with two teams of seven players each. The objective is to score goals by throwing the ball into the opponent's net while following specific rules and regulations. A guide to the current Water Polo rules can be found on the World Aquatics website here

11. Can you touch the pool floor in Water Polo?
    No, touching the pool floor during the game is not allowed. Most matches are played in deep pools where it is not possible to tpuch the bottom of the pool easily.

12. How do players stay afloat in Water Polo?
    Players have to tread water the whole time. Water polo players use a leg movement called 'egg-beater' to stay afloat throughout a game.

13. What is not allowed in Water Polo?
    Touching the ball with two hands (with the exception of the goalkeeper).
    Taking the ball under water when tackled.
    Impeding an opponent who is not holding the ball.
    Pushing off an opponent.

14. How many minutes is a Water Polo game?
    A standard water polo game consists of four quarters, each lasting 7-8 minutes for adults (8 minutes for division 1&2, in the Olympics and international play). Juniors play with modified rules with quarters lasting 6 minutes.

15. Are Water Polo players fit?
    Yes, elite Water Polo players are typically highly fit individuals due to the rigorous training and demanding nature of the sport. There are many divisions within the local game however making this a great sport for most fitness levels.

16. What are 3 interesting facts about Water Polo?
    Three interesting facts about water polo are: it originated in England in the late 19th century,.
    It was one of the first team sports in the modern Olympic Games.
    The ball used is designed to be easily handled in water.