USAWP Texas Development: NJO Allocations, Region Coach Committees, and Upcoming SWZ Tournaments

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NJO Allocations:  You can view the USAWP National Junior Olympics (NJO) Preliminary Allocations at http://www.usawaterpolo.org/juniorolympics/allocations-seeding.html.  Many coaches/club admins have asked about how USAWP determines the allocations for NJO’s each year.  The number of NJO slots the Southwest Zone (SWZ) is allocated each year is dependent on the SWZ memberships of the previous year.  Each USAWP Zone is guaranteed at least 1-2 slots for each age group/gender.  The remaining slots are formulated by a percentage of membership specific for each age group/gender in each Zone.  Therefore, the Zones with a larger membership will get more allocated slots then the Zones with a smaller membership.  

NJO’s/NJO Qual’s Information:  In Early April, the zone will be sending out the Southwest Zone Qualification procedures for the USA Water Polo National Junior Olympics and the tournament information for the Southwest Zone Championships/NJO Qualifier on June 8-10.  If you have specific questions, please email joelinehan@usawaterpolo.org. 

USA Water Polo Memberships:   It is very important that clubs/teams make sure their athletes are USAWP registered for weekend tournaments/club practices not only for insurance purposes but also to help make sure the number of NJO allocated slots for the SWZ increases each year.   Additionally for sanctioned USA Water Polo events, hosts need to make sure participating teams enter rosters thru the USAWP online roster verification system.  Lastly, please go to the following website to view the other USAWP Membership Benefits, http://www.usawaterpolo.org/membership/benefits.html.   

Region Coach Committees:  the zone will be in touch later this week via email with the hope to informally have separate coach/club admin conference calls in April for each Region (Houston, Austin/SA…already did this for North Texas).  The purpose of the initial call would be to discuss the future playing opportunities/leagues in each Region.  The hope is to formalize this process for all Regions by the end of 2018 and bring everyone together 2-3 times a year to discuss not only leagues but also camps/clinics, weekend tournaments, expanding ODP opportunities, etc.  This would be an extension of the Texas Development Summit and to increase the collaboration between the clubs/teams.    

Upcoming SWZ Tournaments:  Below is the listing of the upcoming SWZ Tournaments in April.  All clubs should attempt to play in and support the “weekend tournaments” in North Texas, Houston, Austin/SA.  The events listed below are listed online at Southwest Zone Calendar (click here).  Please contact each tournament host directly for more specific information on their event.  Tournament hosts, please sanction your weekend tournaments/events with USA Water Polo and arrange referees through TAWPO.  

  • Southside Spring Tournament:  April 7-8 at the Pearland ISD Natatorium (South Houston)
    • Club Host:  Southside Water Polo Club
    • Age Groups:  8th Grade & Younger and 6th Grade & Younger
    • Tournament Contact:  Taylor Barnett, SouthsideWPC@gmail.com
  • Charles Dutton Memorial Tournament:  April 14-15 at the Keller ISD Natatorium (North Texas)
    • Club Host:  Dallas Water Polo Club
    • Age Groups:  Men’s Open, Women’s Open
    • Tournament Contact:  Joe Linehan, joelinehan@usawaterpolo.org
  • Texas Age Group State (TAGS) Water Polo Champs:  April 28-29 at the UT Swim Center (Austin)
    • Hosts:  Southwest Zone and Longhorn Aquatics
    • Age Groups:  8th Grade & Younger Coed, 8th Grade & Younger Girls, and 6th Grade & Younger Coed
    • Tournament Contact:  Joe Linehan, joelinehan@usawaterpolo.org