2016/17 NSW U14 Boys State Age Championships 18th – 21st December 2016 Dubbo Dubbo Aquatic Leisure Centre Talbragar St, Dubbo NSW 2830 Tournament Staff Tournament Director – David Whittaker Assistant Tournament Director – Scott Nicholson Tournament Coordinators – Richie Campbell & Keesja Gofers Technical Delegate – Liam Ireland Communications – Scott Nicholson PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE On behalf on Water Polo NSW, I welcome everyone to the NSW U14 State Age Championships. I am pleased to see such a strong commitment from all clubs. We are excited to be hosting these championships in the Central West – a first for both Dubbo and Bathurst. The tournament provides an opportunity for teams from all over the State to come together and go head-to-head over four full days of competition. Overall, there will be 32 teams (16 boys’ teams at Dubbo and 16 girls’ teams at Bathurst) representing over 350 athletes and 70 team officials. For many of the participants, this will be their first experience under carnival conditions and it is our hope that they enjoy the weekend, gain a better understanding of the game, it’s rules, team play and sportsmanship to ensure their continuance in the sport for many years to come. This may also be the start of a representative pathway for many in playing, coaching, managing or refereeing water polo, so make the most of it! Last year we introduced a 2-division competition (Championship division and a Cup division) for teams to compete. After an overwhelming positive response, we are happy to be able to continue with this competition structure. The Think. Act. Play. program which was introduced in September 2015 and had a strong presence at our state championships will continue to play a large part. It was developed to promote and encourage good sportsmanship within the sport; to provide a safe, fair and inclusive environment for all participants (players, coaches, referees and volunteers). I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff of Water Polo NSW Inc, the local Organising Committees and volunteers from both Dubbo Water Polo and Bathurst Water Polo, the staff at both Dubbo & Bathurst Aquatic Centres. We look forward to meeting as many of you as possible over the weekend and to see the great improvement over the 3 days of the carnival. Good luck to all and may many lifelong friendships and memories be made. I wish all teams the best of luck and encourage all everyone to participate in the best spirit of the game. Nick Hodgers | President – Water Polo NSW THINK. ACT. PLAY. Think.Act.Play is the program that was developed in conjunction with NSW Sport & Recreation and endorsed by WPNSW and WPA to ensure that core values, good reputation, and positive behaviours are maintained. Water Polo NSW fully endorse the program and envisage it to be a cornerstone support to the development of the Sport. The key messages that the program aims to promote are: THINK before you speak ACT with respect| PLAY in the spirit of the game All Clubs are encouraged to look to implement the program within their local training and activities. If you would like more information, please see the officials table to speak with a tournament director/coordinator. CODE OF CONDUCT PLAYERS BEHAVIOUR 1. Play by the rules at the direction of your coach and the referees. 2. Never argue with an Official. If you disagree, have your coach or manager to organise a time to discuss with the Official for clarification after the game. 3. Control your temper. Verbal abuse or disrespect of Officials and sledging or deliberately distracting or provoking opponents are not acceptable and in breach of the rules of the sport. 4. Work equally hard for yourself and/or your team. Your team’s performance will benefit so will your own performance. 5. Be a good sport. Acknowledge good play when possible. 6. Treat all participants as you like to be treated. Do not bully or take unfair advantage of another competitor. 7. Participate for your enjoyment and benefit not just to please coaches or family members. 8. Do not use foul language, sledge or harass any persons. 9. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion. 10. Fully adhere to the principles of the Think.Act.Play program. SPECTATORS BEHAVIOUR 1. Remember players participate for their enjoyment and benefit, not yours. 2. Applaud good performances and efforts from all individuals and teams. 3. Congratulate participants and Officials on their performance regardless of the game’s outcome. 4. Respect the decisions of Officials. Parochial support is encouraged but disrespect of Officials is not acceptable. 5. Never ridicule any players of Official. Remember that positive comments motivate improved performances. 6. Condemn the use of violence in any form and by any person. 7. Do not use foul language, sledge or harass any persons. 8. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all persons participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion. 9. Fully adhere to the principles of the Think.Act.Play program. COACHES’ AND OFFICIALS BEHAVIOUR 1. Ensure that athlete’s time spent at your direction is positive. All athletes are deserving of attention and opportunities within the team unit. 2. Treat each athlete as an individual. Respect the talent, development stage and individual goals. 3. Be fair, considerate and honest. 4. Have a professional manner and accept responsibility for your actions. Language, manner, punctuality, preparation and presentation should display high standards. 5. Display control respect, dignity and professionalism to all persons – including opponents, coaches, officials, administrators, media, spectators, and family members of athletes. 6. Any physical contact with athletes should be appropriate to the situation and necessary for skill development. 7. Refrain from any form of personal abuse (verbal, physical or verbal) to any person. Be alert to any forms of abuse from indirect sources or any person whilst under your care or control. 8. Show concern and caution towards sick and injured athletes. Encourage medical advice to any athlete when required. 9. Be a positive role model for your sport and athletes. 10. Refrain from any inappropriate behaviour towards athlete, spectators, family members of athletes, and any other persons involved or connected with the game under your control. 11. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all persons participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion 12. Fully adhere to the principles of the Think.Act.Play program. PARENT MESSAGE The only six words parents need to say to their kids about sports—or any performance Before the Competition After the Competition Have fun. Did you have fun? Play hard. I’m proud of you. I love you I love you. Extracted from an article by student leadership development expert Tim Elmore WATER POLO NSW POLICY STATEMENT CHILDREN & IMAGES Water Polo NSW in conjunction with Water Polo Australian Limited is committed to providing a safe, fun and enjoyable environment for all our children and young people to enjoy the sport of water polo. In this regard Water Polo NSW endorses the policy of Water Polo Australian Limited which is listed below. WATER POLO AUSTRALIA POLICY STATEMENT CHILDREN & IMAGES Dear Parent/Spectator, Recently there have been some concerns from parents about the risks posed directly and indirectly to children and young people regarding people taking video and photographs of players in junior water polo competitions throughout Australia. It is very rare but evidence in Australia indicates that sometimes this information can end up being posted on an internet site or published in a magazine or newspaper where it may be used by unscrupulous people to target children. Water Polo Australia Limited understands that many parents or relatives that have children playing within junior competitions, may from time to time, take video or photographs of their child or friends for family mementos. Water Polo Australia Limited fosters the belief that providing a safe environment for all children who compete every week in competitions and tournaments across the country is of paramount importance. To help Water Polo Australia provide a safer environment for our children we would request that parents join us in partnership to address the following strategies to make water polo a safer environment for our children: 1. That all parents and spectators firstly ask the permission of the athlete’s parent / guardian prior to taking their image where practical. Ensure that they are aware of the way in which the image may be used prior to taking a photograph or video of their child. Do not use images of other children on internet web sites, and do not use names of children when displaying images in the public arena. Change rooms must be camera-free zones. 2. As a parent if you notice inappropriate photographic behaviour regarding people that you don’t know, then we suggest that you advise pool management and the coach/manager of your team immediately. We also suggest that you advise your state body of these concerns as soon as it is practically possible. 3. Professional photographers must register with pool management and the tournament director or the event coordinator. Water Polo Australia Limited would like to thank you for your understanding in helping us provide a safer sport for all junior water polo players. Further to this, Water Polo NSW wish to advise that the following safety checks will be in place to ensure that reasonable control on the use of photographic and video recording equipment is adhered to. 1. Any parent intending to either photograph or videotape their child/children competing will need to complete the following steps; a.