FAQ

How competitive is the team and who do you play?

The Georgia Tech Water Polo club is a student run organization that competes in the southeast division of the Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) during the Fall semester. We are generally one of the stronger (if not strongest) team in our division and usually represent our division in the National Club Championship. In recent years we've finished as high as fourth in the nation. During the spring semester we compete in tournaments that are more oriented towards having a good time. We go to tournaments at college campuses in Gainsville (UF), Athens (UGA), Knoxville (UT), Chapel Hill (UNC), and New Orleans during Mardi Gras (Tulane).

I've only played water polo at swim practice, how good do you have to be?

Our club has a good mixture of players of differing degrees of skill. At the moment, we'd really like for some of our new players to develop quickly and significantly contribute to our team this season. We're also committed to developing the future of our club, and welcome people of all swimming and water polo levels.

Where are we playing in the Fall?

For the upcoming Fall (2008), we have our first tournament after only the first week of school in Atlanta at Dynamo's Power Bar Cup (http://www.dynamoswimclub.com/polo/powerbar06.html). We've travelled to schools such as Miami of Ohio and University of Tennessee for non league tournaments in the past. We'll also be playing in league tourneys in Alabama, Tennesee, Atlanta and hopefully the national championship!

When do you practice?

In the Fall we'll be practicing Monday and Wednesday from 7:30-9:45 PM at the CRC (big sports facility on campus) and once on the weekend. If there is enough interest, we'd also like to have a "beginners" practice to work on the water polo basics once per week during midday.

What equipment do I need to participate?

Swimming suit & goggles for warm-up.

What can I do to prepare or improve during the summer?

If you want to learn more about the basics of water polo you can check out this website: http://eteamz.active.com/waterpolo/instruction/tips/index.cfm?. It isn't the best resource, but it's good enough to get people started.

How committed do I need to be to compete in the fall semester?

It's up to you. We realize that people have a lot of stuff going on at a school like Georgia Tech and it's hard to get people to dedicate a lot of time towards something. But, the bottom line is: the more committed you are the better you're going to get at water polo.

Is there a "junior varsity" water polo team?

We're beginning to be a big enough team where it will be possible to have an A team and a B team (This would probably vary for each tournament). However, we would still practice together.

Is there a cut or does the team except everyone?

No cuts! As long as you want to play, you're welcome. In the past we've allowed anyone who wants to travel with us to tournaments to come along.

If I don't compete during the fall semester, can I still compete during the "fun league" in the spring?

Anyone is welcome to join the team at any time, including playing only during the spring. However, unless you absolutely can't make it out during the fall it is HIGHLY recommended that you start then. During the Fall, we'll have a lot of new people and be focused on teaching them how to play. If you come out in the spring, you'll probably find that a lot of people who were in your situation (i.e. little polo experience and lots of swimming experience) are way ahead of you skill-wise.

How much does it cost?

We receive money from the SGA (Student Government Association) every year to cover tournament entry fees and travel to tournaments. However, in order to receive SGA funding we are required to collect club dues from each member. Our dues are $60 for one semester or $110 for the whole year. This money is used to pay for those tournaments that aren't funded by the SGA, a portion of hotel costs, and social functions (i.e. annual banquet, football tailgates, etc).

I have a more specific question not covered here, what should I do?

Join the mailing list and ask your question there. Several people will probably respond. It is a good idea to join the mailing list because that's the most used form of communication for upcoming events for our team. There is a link to join on the main page.