WPA COUNTRY WATER POLO

CHAMPIONSHIPS

OPERATIONS MANUAL

March 2019 V1.1 Document Control

Document title Water Polo Australia Limited

WPA Country Water Polo Championships - Operations Manual

Document description A manual to be used for the conduct of the WPA Country Water Polo Championships (WPACC).

This manual is a working document, continually updated to reflect growth and improvements to the event. This manual is owned and managed by WPA.

NOTE: Where there is a conflict, the Water Polo Australia rules and policies take precedence.

Version / release number March 2019 v1.1

Release date 6 March 2019

WPA COUNTRY WATER POLO CHAMPIONSHIPS

1. PURPOSE OF MANUAL

1.1 These manual details the rules and minimum delivery requirements of the WPA Country Water Polo Championships (‘Aus Country Camps’).

2. EVENT MANAGEMENT

2.1 Operational delivery of the WPA Country Water Polo Championships tendered to a host city/State and sanctioned by Water Polo Australia on an annual basis.

2.2 The Tournament Director is appointed by WPA following consultation with the WPA Country Working Group.

2.3 The Australian Country Championships forms part of WPAL’s National Competition Structure and is acknowledged as the national country championships of WPAL.

3. MEMBERSHIP

3.1 WPA Eligibility Rules supersede this manual.

3.2 All players, coaches, team officials, referees, match officials and other persons actively involved in the operation and playing of the WPA Country Water Polo Championships must be a current financial Individual Member, Affiliate Member or Life Member of WPAL and agree to abide to the constitution, rules, regulations, by-laws and policies of WPAL.

3.3 In accordance with WPAL National State Member Registration policy, all competitors in a national championship event must hold a membership category that affords the individual the rights to enter a National tournament.

4. ELIGIBILITY

4.1 The WPA Country Water Polo Championships is open to regional based members who are in active within and in good standing with their affiliated club and State Association.

4.2 The definition of ‘regional’ is as per the individuals primary residential address (as registered on the WPA database) as defined within the WPAL State Members Membership and Registration policy.

4.3 For the avoidance of doubt, for the 2019 event, regional areas are considered by WPAL as;

NSW – All areas excluding Sydney metropolitan area ACT – All areas NT – All areas QLD – all areas excluding Brisbane metropolitan area SA – All areas TAS – All areas VIC – All areas excluding Melbourne metropolitan area WA – All areas excluding Perth metropolitan area

NOTE: The definition of regional areas is currently under review and may be refined by WPAL for the 2020 event, onwards.

4.4 The WPACC is an open, senior event. For athletes under the age of 18, written

clearance signed by the parent/guardian, coach and team manager must be signed acknowledging the risks associated of playing in open competition.

4.5 Imports, visiting players or tourists are not eligible to entre the WPACC. An import is a person who does not hold Australian Citizenship/Australian Passport.

4.6 Exception to rule 4.5 is a person who has made Australia their permanent residence for at least 24 months continually and up to the close of entries will be considered to have obtained the status of a local player. This is as long as they have not represented another country during that time.

4.7 Teams may be entered by WPAL Affiliated bodies or upon invitation for international teams by WPAL. Where possible, invited international teams should be of a similar competitive standard to those teams entered from WPAL affiliated bodies.

4.8 Invitational teams are invited on the understanding that they cannot compete in the grand finals and that their players cannot be selected in any WPAL representative sides.

5. TEAM COMPOSITION

5.1 A maximum of two teams per gender from an affiliated body may be entered.

5.2 The following rules will apply to team lists:

5.2.1 Squads • Teams must list a minimum of 13 and maximum of 15 players of the

same gender. • All listed players must meet the eligibility and membership requirements

as per this manual • Team lists may not be edited after the close of entries

5.2.2 Team Officials

• Team Officials must be listed during the entry process. • Each team must nominate a;

o WPAL accredited Coach (minimum accreditation – WPA Development Coach)

o WPAL accredited Referee (minimum accreditation – WPA Development Referee)

o Team manager with current membership and WWCC clearance o WPAL Qualified Table Official (minimum qualification – WPA

Competition Official) • The same person is not permitted to fill more than one role at any one

time. • Failure to submit all team official requirements and use of accredited

persons will incur a penalty of three competition points and a $250 fine. If any team continues not to submit a list, they will forfeit each match until they do so.

5.2.2 Draft Players

• Individual players may nominate into the official draft to be added to an incomplete team

• All incomplete teams will be approached and offered players nominated in the draft

• Pending number of nominated draft players, a compiste team may be entered (pending availability of team manager and coach)

5.2.3 Cap Numbers • All players must be allocated a cap number during entry. • Players are not permitted to change cap numbers during the tournament. • Goalkeepers will be number 1 and 13 ONLY (if team has 2 goalkeepers).

Where a team has three or more goal keepers then cap changes will be permitted between goal keepers only.

6. PARTICIPATION FEE

6.1 The Team Entry fee for the 2019 Australian Country Championships is $1350. Best endeavours will be taken to quarantine $300 of each teams entry fee for allocation towards the reduction of costs of the Australian Country teams tour in that year.

6.2 Entry fees are subject to change annually at a minimum of CPI or higher pending confirmation of host venue and associated delivery costs.

6.3 Team entry fees must be paid in full by the close of entries for a team entry to be accepted.

6.4 Entry fees will not be refunded following the close of entry date under any circumstance.

6.5 Any team which scratches or fails to fulfil its engagements after entry shall be liable to be fined an additional $500 per team to the non-refundable entry fee.

7. CONDUCT OF MATCHES

7.1 The competition will be conducted in accordance with current FINA rules, except for specific competition rules:

7.2 Team colours will be worn at all games with cap numbers being 1 to 15 where 1 or 13 is always used for goalkeepers. Note: First named team must wear white/light caps and commence from the end of the pool, which is to the left of the officials table. If, in the opinion of the referees, there is a clash of caps, the first team name has the choice. Teams must have two sets of contrasting caps in the colours of their team. Both sets of caps must be present at all games.

7.3 Costumes: All team members must wear the same coloured/pattern costumes in

team/state colours at all games. Note: Other representative costumes must not be worn.

7.4 Coaches and team officials who occupy the team bench during games must be dressed in the same uniforms – preferably team uniform, wearing shoes. There may only be a maximum of 3 officials and 6 players on the bench during any match.

7.5 Games may commence anytime between 8am – 8pm on any day. Teams are expected to arrive to the pool and check games cards one hour in advance of their scheduled game time. Note: Travel arrangements and accommodation should be for the day before the competition begins and day after competition concludes.

7.6 A minimum of 15 minutes should be scheduled between games.

7.7 Match Times: • Round Games – 4 x 6 minute actual quarters • Semi Finals and Medal Matches – 4 x 6 minute actual quarters • All Games – 1-minute quarter break, 2-minute half time break.

7.8 Time Outs:

• Round Games – 1 per game that can be used at any time • Semi Finals and Medal Matches – 2 per game that can be used at any

time

7.9 Penalty Shootouts: • Penalty Shootouts will apply where a result is necessary in any playoff

or finals games but a draw in the preliminary rounds will stand as a draw.

7.10 Pool Length – will depend on the capabilities of the venue.

• Pool Length for Finals will be consistent with Round Games (as with match times) unless the venue can accommodate current FINA rules without additional costs. Example: Round games of tournament played in 22m pool all games played in 22m pool.

7.11 Venues: • Where practicable the following dimensions will aim to be met – Width:

Minimum:15m (preferably 20m) Length: Minimum: 22m (preferably FINA compliant).

• Depth – 1.8m (preferably 2.2m) • Considerations for pools that do not comply with the dimensions and

depth will be considered on a case by case basis by the Australian Country working group.

• Approved 2019: Miami Aquatic Centre Address: 80 Pacific Avenue, Miami, QLD, 4220.

7.12 Field of Play:

• Markers for the goal line (white), 2 metre (red), 5 metre (yellow), half way (white) on BOTH sides of the field of play. The markers must be clear to the players as well as officials and spectators.

• Exclusion boxes or areas clearly marked. • Team benches at each end of the field of play opposite the table and

behind the goal line • A central table at the half way mark that suitable room for a timekeeper,

secretary and a 30-second clock operator where applicable. • The host state (pool) must provide a white, blue, red, and yellow flag. • Appropriate spectator seating and refreshment facilities. • Separate changing facilities for players of each gender and referees • Provision of appropriate shading for officials, players and spectators, at

minimum in accordance with WPA Sun Safety Policy.

7.13 Timing Equipment: • Electronic timing equipment must be used for all matches. • The minimum standard is two (2) 30-second clocks and a main clock

with appropriate sound devices to indicate the end of quarters and the expiration of the 30-second attack period.

• The equipment must have the functionality to reset the possession clock for thirty (30) seconds.

• The equipment must be operational and must be able to be viewed by each team (players in the water and bench). Where sunlight hinders the clear view of the timing system, the host state is responsible to take appropriate measures to ensure all players; coaches and referees can view the timing equipment.

7.14 Scorecards • All matches must use the approved WPACC Scorecard. Scorecards are

generated from the WPA MemberPool. • Official Match Scorecards must be photographed or handed to the

Tournament Director at the completion of the match.

• The original copy of the scorecard must be retained by the Tournament Director until the tournament is completed. The original scorecards are to be given to WPAL following.

• The original scoresheet is required to validate any claims lodged by players, officials or volunteers.

7.15 Points System

• Win in normal time – 3 points – where a team has more goals scored than the other at the end of normal time – i.e. 4 quarters of play.

• No Result – 2 points each team – no goals recorded - where a game cannot be started or completed due to weather, pool equipment failure or pool closure.

• Draw – 2 points each team – where both teams have the same amount of goals at the end of normal time – i.e. 4 quarters of play.

• Loss in normal time – 1 point - where a team has less goals scored

than the other at the end of normal time – i.e. 4 quarters of play.

• Disqualification/Forfeit – 0 points – (0-5 goal score).

7.16 Finals structure • When five (5) or more teams are engaged, the competition shall be

played over one round with semi-finals, finals and grand final, to determine the winner and other placings as follows:

• In the competition round each team shall play every other team once.

• In the event of two teams having equal points for any position at the end of the competition round. Positions will be decided on points, however in the event of a tie-break, FINA By-Law 9.6.3 will be applied.

7.17 Final Series Matches • Semi Final 1 (SF1) - 1st v 4th at the end of the round games. • Semi Final 2 (SF2) -2nd v 3rd at the end of the round games. • Depending on number team’s classification matches and/or round robin

to determine final placings of teams outside the championship/medal games.

• Bronze Medal – Loser SF1 v Loser SF2 • Gold Medal – Winner SF1 v Winner SF2

7.18 Eligibility Finals - A player must be listed in the team list at the close of team

nominations and be sighted at, at least 50% of round matches to be eligible to play in finals.

8. RESPONSIBILITIES

8.1 Responsibilities of WPAL/Organising Committee: • Appointment and sanctioning of host venue • Creation of budget and project plan • Event communication and promotion • Facilitation of entries and draw

8.2 Responsibilities of Host Venue:

• Deliver upon the Competition Project Plan as per the set timeframes and responsibilities

• Ensure suitable venues, equipment and function requirements are secured • Manage daily field of play expectations and set up and pack down • Deliver end of tournament function

8.3 Responsibilities of Tournament Director:

• The Tournament Director must work with Technical Delegates to ensure that matches start on time.

• Ensure all games are must in accordance with competition rules • Ensure teams have caps in accordance with competition rules and all team

members wearing the same coloured/pattern costumes in all games. • Ensure players, coaches and managers adhere to the WPAL Code of

Conduct, provide the Scorecard printed from the MemberPool (complete with player’s names) on A3 paper.

• The scorecard must be completed 15 minutes prior to the start of the game by crossing out any players that are on the pre-printed scorecard but not playing in the game.

• At the completion of the game provide the scorecard and any other documentation to the Tournament Director.

• Have a copy of this WPACC Operations Manual at all games.

8.4 Responsibilities of Teams • Teams must attend the match to allow the game to start on time, in team

uniform and adhere to the WPAL code of conduct. The teams will be courteous to the host states sponsors and officials and meet all reasonable media or sponsor requests.

• Ensure their team has caps in accordance with WPACC rules and all team members wearing the same coloured/pattern costumes in all games.

• Prior to each game commencing, each team manager to sight the opposing teams player list against player attendance and squad members to confirm on scoresheet.

• Complete the scorecard by crossing out any players that are on the pre-printed scorecard but not playing in the specific game.

• All teams are to provide a qualified table official per game. One table official per team will jointly manage to table for the same match.

• All teams are to provide at least one competent and accredited referee to be allocated duties throughout the tournament by the Technical Delegate.

9. REFEREES/DELEGATES

9.1 Appointments

• All teams are to provide at least one competent and accredited referee to be allocated duties throughout the tournament by the Technical Delegate.

• WPAL will call for and appoint additional independent Referees and Technical Delegates to be appointed to the event to complement the team provided Referees.

9.2 Entitlements

• Teams or individuals are responsible for the costs associated with attendance of the Team provided Referees.

• WPA will cover the costs of attendance and payment of independent Technical Delegates and Referees as per the WPA Appointment Guidelines policy.

9.3 Technical Delegate Responsibilities: • Ensure the match is conducted in accordance with the rules of FINA and

the WPACC Operations Manual – note where there is any conflict in rules the WPACC Operations Manual takes precedence at all times over FINA Rules. Ensure you carry a copy of the WPACC Operations Manual with you at all times – either a hard or electronic copy.

• Meet with the match Referees at pool side at least 15 minutes prior to every match to ensure instructions are delivered as necessary.

• Ensure the scorecard is completed correctly and returned to the Tournament Director within 15 minutes of the completion of the match

• Ensuring the timing equipment is operated in accordance with the rules. • Formally evaluate the performance of the referees by completing the

WPAL Delegate report for each match. Provide direct feedback to both referee’s post-game.

• Review and report on any incidents pre, during or post-match including advising the Tournament Director of any incidents, especially that result in injury, within 30 minutes of the conclusion of the match.

9.4 Referee Responsibilities: • Referee in a manner that is unbiased and fair to all participants. • Adhere to the WPAL Code of Conduct and Member Protection Rules. • Arrive at the pool a minimum of 30 minutes prior to any match and be

dressed and ready to officiate at pool side to meet with the WPACC Match Delegate at least 15 minutes prior to every match.

• Referees must be dressed in white shirt, white pants, white enclosed shoes. Referees must supply their own whistle and cards for every match.

• Follow directions of the Technical Delegate at all times. • Attend the post-match evaluation meeting with the Technical Delegate. • Ensure the scorecard is correct and sign the card to verify its correctness • Complete and sign and referee report forms as required.

10. Weather Cancellations

10.1 In the case of any game(s) needing to be cancelled due to weather, or other

circumstance, the following will be applied:

10.2 If possible, the game will be delayed and finished later shortly after. This is at the sole discretion of the Tournament Director.

10.3 If 10.2. is not possible, and this only applies to Championship group phase and knock-out games, The Tournament Director will endeavour to continue the game at a later point in time (this can be the next day). Only when less than three (3) periods have been played will a game be considered to continue at a later stage. Otherwise the game is considered completed.

10.4 If continuation of a game is not possible, the following will apply:

Option A: If two (2) full periods or more have been played, the result at that moment of the game will stand as the final result

Option B: If less than two (2) full periods have been played, the final result will be a 5 – 5 tie/draw for group phase games (any phase, including Championship)

Option C: If a game has entered the 3rd quarter or beyond, a win result will be declared by the Technical Delegate based on the time/score as per the following;

• Any time during the 3rd quarter: Goal difference of 7 of greater • During the 4th quarter;

o At 7 minutes: Goal difference of 6 of greater o At 4 minutes: Goal difference of 5 of greater o At 2 minutes: Goal difference of 4 of greater o At 1 minutes: Goal difference of 3 of greater

10.5 In the event of knock-out phase games, the previous knock-out game or group games

will be decisive if points 2 or 2a cannot be applied. If the previous game was in a group, then a comparison will be made firstly on points, then on goal difference and then on goals score for. If still tied, the result against the highest ranked team in the respective groups will be decisive; if tied the next highest ranked team, etc.

10.6 If the previous game was also a knock-out game, e.g. a quarter final, then the comparison will be made on goal difference first and then on goals scored for. If still tied a comparison will be made with the next previous game or games prior according to the above comparison explanation.

10.7 The Tournament Directors decisions regarding weather cancellations are final.

11. Judiciary and Disciplinary Matters

11.1 All exclusions for the remainder of the game must be reported by both referees on the appropriate Report Form (copies of the forms will be available at the officials’ table for each game).

11.2 The form is to be completed and submitted PRIOR to signing the official match scorecard. The form/s are to be handed to the Match Delegate for review prior to handing it to the Tournament Director – this process must be completed within ten minutes of the conclusion of the match. This includes players, coaches and/or team officials who receive a red card.

11.3 Players and coaches will have 30 minutes from the conclusion of the match to advise the Tournament Director if they accept the charge and take the early plea or request the matter go to a Judiciary hearing. The advice must be in writing. Should a player and/or coach/official not advise the Tournament Director in writing within this time then the person will be deemed as having taken the early plea. The points allocated for each offence are below.

11.4 There are three levels of charge for players

Disrespect/Disobedience: Examples include but are not limited too: Unacceptable language, equipment abuse, disobedience, disrespect and continuous disrespect.

Violence: Examples include but not limited too: Persistent foul or rough play, over aggressive play, continued aggressive play after a warning or yellow card issued

Brutality: Brutality is defined as “To strike or attempt to strike another player with any part of the body or equipment” Examples include but are not limited to – elbow, punch, kick, head butt, grabbing of the head, etc.

11.5 A points system determines the penalty incurred by the reported player, coach or team official. For every 100 points accumulated by the offender during the tournament will result in a one match suspension. Points continue to accumulate for duration of the tournament.

PLAYERS Charge Points: Early Plea Points: If guilty at Hearing

Disrespect/ Disobedience: 50 100 Violence: Grade 1: 50

Grade 2: 150

Grade 1: 100

Grade 2: 250 Brutality: 200 400 Assault of Official (including threat of assault) N/A 1 Year to Life ban

COACHES/OFFICIALS Charge Points: Early Plea Points: If guilty at Hearing

Red Card: 100 200

11.6 Appeals to the outcome of any hearing are not possible; Tournament Director decisions are final. In case of time restrictions and a hearing cannot take place before the next game of the involved member, the initial/standard penalty will stand and might be increased after the hearing has taken place. The Tournament Director has full discretion in deciding if a hearing can or cannot take place and any decisions are final due to the nature of the event/Championships.

11.7 Protests are possible and must be completed within thirty (30) minutes of the end of the game. Only team officials can fill a protest. Protest notice must be given immediately verbally after the end of the game to the Technical Delegate or Tournament Director. Any protest must be in writing and handed in to the delegate or pool/venue controller. If none of these officials are present, the protest must be handed in to one of the referees.

11.8 Protests can only concern technical rule matters.

11.9 The Tournament Director has the right to consider, decline or request video from any incidents at its full discretion. Members can be sanctioned based on video evidence.

11.10 All participants are required to abide to the WAPL Codes of Conduct and such other policies as are adopted by WPAL from time to time and play in accordance with the principles of Think, ACT, Play.

11.11 The following people have the authority to identify any misconduct, including brutality, and bring this to the attention of the Tournament Director which may take disciplinary action:

• Event Appointed Referees • Event Appointed Delegates • Event staff

12. Contacts

WPA Competitions Manger is Isabella Andersson via isabella.andersson@waterpoloaustralia.com.au