Update on National State Championships

Water Polo Australia has been advised by Water Polo Western Australia that they will not be sending teams to the upcoming National State Championships to be held in Brisbane in January 2022.

Given the current WA Government restrictions and uncertainty surrounding future restrictions for residents of Western Australia, the WPWA Board has reviewed the risks for all players and support personnel travelling and has decided to not send official teams.

Water Polo Australia CEO Richard McInnes said while this was disappointing, WPA understand the challenges and risks associated with being responsible for sending teams of young people away.  WPA will take steps to ensure those individual players wanting to attend can still participate in the event.

"The event will proceed in January, but given not all States will be represented it will not be called a 'National State Championships' but will now be called The 2022 Summer Slam. The format and dates will remain the same.

"While we are disappointed that we can't have WA teams in attendance, we certainly understand and empathise with the difficult decision that was made due to ongoing travel restrictions and the uncertainty we face as borders begin to open.

"The event already included a player draft system, so with many individual WA players still eager to attend those players can enter the draft. WPA will form two additional “Barbarian” teams per age division and gender to ensure there are adequate spots available for any WA players wishing to attend.

"Additionally, we understand there will be players who are unable to attend but wish to be considered for selection into National Squads. 

“WPA and WPWA will undertake a process that will include national coaches traveling to Perth to observe sessions, live streaming local games and or training in Perth for coaches and selectors to observe WA based players for selection into the National Age Group Squads. 

“This will occur prior to the year end, and players from here will be invited to attend the National Age Group camps to occur in Brisbane in January 2022, if travel restrictions allow.

“For players selected who can’t attend the January camp, they will be invited to attend a camp later in the year as we prepare and select teams for the FINA World Championships (Cadet and Youth) later in 2022.

"As WPA continues to navigate a national sporting calendar during COVID times, we know we must all be adaptable.  Given the lack of competition for players across the country since early 2020, we are committed to provide playing opportunities where we can and unfortunately at this time, we can’t have all States in attendance," said McInnes.

• 10-13 January 2022 - 16&U & 18&U competition (male and female)
• 16 January - 20&U Women’s competition (due to number of teams, extra day has been added)
• 17-20 January - 20&U Women’s and Men’s competition

NAGP Camps

• Cadet Boys and Girls Camps 13-18 January
• Youth Boys and Girls Camps 13-16 January, then 20&U Summer Slam from 17-20 January
• Junior Mens and Women’s Camps 20-24 January (TBC with AWL Coaches due to commencement of AWL on 26 January)
• All of the above squads will be selected from the The Summer Slam, or from WA selection process. Any previous NAGP squads or teams have finished their cycle.