Welcome to the November edition of the Water Polo NSW Newsletter!

As we head into the final months of 2024, there's no slowing down in the world of water polo. This month's newsletter is packed with exciting updates, upcoming events, and inspiring stories from our vibrant community.

Inside, you'll find details on the NSW Junior Country Club Championships, updates on the NSW State Championships, and Super Legue.  We're also thrilled to share some remarkable achievements from our athletes, coaches, referees and officials.

There is something for everyone in this edition. So, grab your towel, take a seat by the pool, and catch up on all the latest news and events from Water Polo NSW!

Concussion in sport is causing concern in the sports sector and across Australian society. In February 2024, the Australian Institute of Sport produced new guidelines for concussion, aligned with the UK and NZ governments. WPNSW hosted a webinar for our Club and Association Presidents and Secretaries. In this presentation the Australian Institute of Sport Chief Medical Officer Dr David Hughes presented the new concussion guidelines and provided tips for practical implementation. To view the webinar and to see the tool kit of available resources please  CLICK HERE 

After over six years of dedicated service, Stefani Jelic has stepped down from her position as the Water Polo NSW Referee Coordinator. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Stef for her commitment and hard work in developing and coordinating our current pool of referees.

Hannah Baker and Wojciech Wloch have now taken on the roles of Referee Coordinators. They will be supported by Breanna Baardwijk, our Member Services, Administration, and Communications Coordinator, in serving our officials.

The Referee Coordination Team is asking all members currently refereeing or interested in becoming referees to complete the 2024/25 Referee Details Survey. This survey will assist the team in appointing sufficiently qualified referees for all WPNSW fixtures and ensuring that any member currently awaiting a practical assessment can complete this as soon as possible. To complete the survey, please  CLICK HERE

The HP panel is progressing on the coaching curriculum project, following the reset of the strategic plan, and will provide further updates soon. 

WPNSW commitment to athlete safety and wellbeing and a zero tolerance to abuse, harm and exploitation is our ongoing focus. Some of the projects we have been working on with the assistance of Sport Integrity Australia is a review of the application process to take photography or videography at our events and competitions. Further information will be shared soon.

Sport Integrity Australia to Attend NSW State Championships

Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) representatives will attend the NSW State Championships on December 17^th and 18^th, 2024. SIA protects Australian sport's integrity through education, policy, and monitoring.

During their visit, SIA representatives will:

• Provide anti-doping information
• Guide on reporting integrity issues
• Answer questions about SIA's role

We encourage all participants to engage with SIA to learn about maintaining sport integrity.

For more information, visit: CLICK HERE

Together, let's ensure we provide safe spaces and fair play in water polo. 

In November, we're thrilled to kick off our 2024/25 Competitions and Events Calendar with an exciting event! From November 15^th to 17^th, Newcastle will be the stage for the NSW Junior Country Club Championships.

Held across two fantastic venues: Lambton Swimming Centre and Speers Point Swimming Centre. Teams from all corners of Regional New South Wales will come together to battle it out for the respective Under 14, 16 & 18 Junior Country Club Championship titles.

Don't miss a moment of the action! Stay up to date with all the latest information, schedules, and results by visiting our dedicated event page HERE 

Get ready for an incredible display of young talent and sportsmanship as we dive into the new season!

Upcoming Events: Mark Your Calendars!

NSW State Championships 

📝 Team Entry Opens: 1st November 2024

📅 Event Date: 14th – 22nd December 2024

📍 Locations: Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre & Pymble Ladies College

🚫 Team Entry Closes: 10th November 2024

The first month of the Sydney Metropolitan competition has wrapped up, and the action is already intense! With over 350 games completed, the competition is truly heating up across all divisions. 🔥

Want to stay in the loop with all the latest fixtures and results? Visit our competitions page to keep track of your favorite teams and stay up to date with all the thrilling matches happening in the Sydney Metropolitan area. 🤽🏻‍♂️🤽‍♀️

🥅 Don't miss a single goal or save - check out the competition results and upcoming fixtures now! 🏆

 RESULTS & FIXTURES 
 

Creating Chaos: Tim Hamill's Unique Approach to Aussie Water Polo

Tim Hamill, the head coach of the Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks men's water polo team, is one of New South Wales own, deeply connected to water polo in Australia. His journey from an enthusiastic player at the Balmain Water Polo Club, right here in NSW, to the national team coach is a story of dedication, passion, and resilience. In our recent interview, Tim shared his lifelong connection to water polo, his approach to coaching, and his aspirations for the future of Australian water polo.

Rebecca Rippon Wins TFAP Outstanding Official Award!

We're thrilled to announce that Rebecca Rippon has been honored with the TFAP Outstanding Official Award! 🏆 This recognition comes after her remarkable achievement as the Head Coach of the Aussie Stingers.

Key highlights:

- Rebecca took on the Head Coach role just 9 months before the Paris Olympics

- Under her leadership, the Stingers secured a Silver medal - one of Water Polo's greatest moments

- Her return to the sport as a leader showcases perseverance, courage, and dedication

Rebecca's impact on the team and her unwavering commitment to the sport she loves have not only led to Olympic success but have also inspired the next generation of water polo athletes and coaches.

Join us in congratulating Rebecca on this well-deserved award! Her journey from player to coach exemplifies the spirit of Australian water polo and the power of passionate leadership.

Aussie Stingers Crowned TFAP Team of the Year!

The Aussie Stingers have clinched the prestigious TFAP Team of the Year award! 🏆🇦🇺 Their Olympic silver in Paris, a best since Sydney 2000, was a triumph against the odds. The team's pool prowess and fan connection secured this honour.

Their journey from underdogs to silver medallists inspired the nation. This award recognizes their dedication, teamwork, and impact on Australian water polo, elevating the sport's profile and inspiring future athletes.

Let's celebrate the Stingers' remarkable achievement! Their success in and out of the water promises a bright future for Australian water polo. 🤽‍♀️🥈🎉

Next weekend, I will be heading to the NSW Junior Country Championships in Newcastle. I am excited to see that we have an excellent number of team entries, and I look forward to meeting as many people as possible in our water polo community.  

Please come and say hello to me or any of the staff or board if you see us pool side. A shout out to the following people Lee Bendeich, Shannon Jones, Taylah Power and Gail Slater for working with WPNSW to host what I am sure will be a terrific regional event.

On the 30^th November, we will also be hosting the 95^th WPNSW Annual General Meeting (AGM). There is the option to attend in person or online. It would be great to see as many of you attend face-to-face. The Notice of AGM will be sent 8^th November 2024 to any Member entitled to receive notice. Later this day are the Super League semi finals so why not make a day of it in Sydney!

There are many other activities on the runway to Christmas which I hope everyone is getting information via your Clubs or Associations, our newsletter, the website and social media posts. If you need any further information, please contact us at enquiries@waterpolonsw.org.au, and the team would be happy to assist you.

Regards in water polo

Lucy

📬 Stay Connected: We Want to Hear from You!

Got news to share? Questions on your mind? We're all ears!

🗣️ Speak Up:

• Share your water polo stories

• Ask us anything

• Provide valuable feedback

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We'll dive right in and get back to you as soon as possible!

Thanks for being part of our water polo community. See you poolside next month! 🏊‍♂️🏊‍♀️