Version control: Original 1990 / Updated 1999 / Updated 2003 / Updated 2015
Introduction
You must refer to the Requirements for All Sport and Physical Activity (PDF 466KB) to understand your overall compliance responsibilities.
Parents or caregivers must be informed of full details of the location, supervision to be provided and activities to be undertaken when seeking their written permission.
The permission note must contain a clause authorising medical aid if it is considered necessary by the supervising teacher. The note should also include a section where the parent advises the school of any illness or medical condition that the student suffers from, or any medication the student is currently taking (including asthma sprays, etc).
If a student suffers from a medical condition which might put that swimmer at risk in the water, a medical certificate must be obtained for the student to participate in the water polo program.
Students are to be instructed to use adequate sun protection, e.g. an SPF50+, broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen reapplied regularly and a hat and shirt where appropriate.
Teacher/Instructor Qualifications and Experience
The teacher/instructor must have appropriate expertise and/or training in the teaching/coaching of water polo.
A teacher who has recognised current training in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and emergency care must be present.
It is recommended that qualified officials be used for inter-school competition.
Supervision
Principals and organising teachers should take into account such factors as age, experience, and maturity of students and experience of adult supervisors when arranging supervision.
Where an adult other than a teacher provides instruction, a teacher must be present to take overall responsibility for students. The teacher must have recognised current training in emergency care.
Ensure that at least one adult is ready to enter the water at all times to assist a student.
Equipment
The state and national controlling bodies of this sport strongly recommend the wearing of a correctly fitted mouth guard during both training and competition.
String-tied water polo caps fitted with protective ear guards must be worn.
Water polo goals must be in good repair.
Water polo balls must be of a size and weight appropriate to the ages of participants and the level at which the game is played.
A well-equipped medical kit must be readily available.
Safety
Ensure students are competent swimmers.
Students must remove jewellery and other ornaments likely to cause injury before entering the water.
Standard procedures involving pool supervision must be followed.