Ages, swimming ability, venues, season timing, WAJL and WASL — the answers to the questions we hear most from new families.
What age can my child start?▼
Our Flippa Ball program begins in Year 2 with skill training and fun games. This leads into junior divisions U12, U14, U16 and U18 and onto seniors. Children can start at any age from Year 2 — New Wave is an inclusive club with development and competitive divisions to cater for all.
Does my child need to be a strong swimmer?▼
Players need to be able to tread water. You'll learn the specific swim techniques for water polo and the skills of ball handling while treading water through our Flippa Ball program and development grades at New Wave — but a reasonable level of swimming is a prerequisite to learning water polo.
How is our Flippa Ball program different?▼
Our program is about developing young players — teaching the skills and techniques that lead into junior water polo. At some other clubs, "Flippa Ball" refers to social modified-rules games for all ages.
Where does New Wave train?▼
New Wave will have a dedicated water polo pool at Wesley College as its home pool very soon. In the meantime, we train at St Hilda's (Mosman Park) and Leisurefit Booragoon.
When is the season?▼
The water polo season is the summer season — Term 4 and Term 1. Registrations open August/September. The Australian Youth Championships (AYC) usually occurs in the April school holidays. Winter training runs in the off season.
What is WAJL and WASL?▼
WAJL is the WA Junior League and WASL is the WA Senior League — the competitions run by Water Polo WA. New Wave is required to register all players with WPWA (Water Polo Western Australia).
How is playing division determined?▼
By year of birth. Players are placed in age groups based on their birth year, in line with WPWA guidelines: 12s (born 2015 & 2016), 14s (2013 & 2014), 16s (2011 & 2012) and 18s (2009 & 2010). See the age groups on our Programs page.
Do we have an intraclub competition?▼
No — unlike other clubs, we enter teams into both A and B Divisions, with the exception of our Flippa Ball age kids.
What does being an inclusive club mean?▼
Unlike some other clubs, New Wave enters teams into both A and B grades at WAJL to cater for developing and competitive players. Everyone gets to play, regardless of experience.
Can adults play?▼
Yes! Women's & Men's senior teams in WASL social grades. All welcome — beginners and experienced alike.