USAWP INFORMATION
All players in the water must be covered by by the National Governing Body, USA Water Polo. They have various memberships available – seen below. For most our athletes we suggest always starting with a Bronze membership and upgrading from there if needed or directed by club/coach.
Age Group Athletes
Start with a Bronze Membership, if another membership is needed for tournaments the coach or club admin will inform you. You can easily upgrade through USAWP at any time.
Master’s Athletes
If you plan on participating in Master’s Nationals, you will need a Silver Membership. All other tournaments a Bronze membership should suffice.
National League Athletes
National League Athletes- For participation in National League events a Gold Membership is required.
Need Financial Assistance?
You may qualify for a reduced membership fee. See Shieldy Membership below.
GOLD ($130): “Elite” athlete membership; eligible for ALL USAWP athlete activity, including club practices, sanctioned events, National Championship Events (i.e. Junior Olympics) and all Olympic Development Program (ODP) participation including Zone Teams and ODP National Championships.
SILVER ($87): “Enhanced” athlete membership; eligible for club practices, local and regional sanctioned leagues and tournaments, and ODP Camps only (excluding Holiday Camp). Not eligible for participation in National Championship events (i.e. Junior Olympics, ODP Zone Team or Holiday Camp). Exception: Masters Nationals allows Silver membership. Eligible to upgrade membership within current membership year only.
BRONZE ($45): “Basic” athlete membership; eligible for club practices, local/regional league play, SplashBall, some local sanctioned tournaments. Not eligible for participation in National Championship events (i.e Junior Olympics), any ODP program, and some sanctioned tournaments. Eligible to upgrade membership within current membership year only.
SHIELDY SCHOLARSHIP MEMBER ($40): Reduced price gold athlete membership for those 18&U athletes with financial need, please complete an application by clicking here. Must provide proof of free/reduced school lunch program. This membership is NOT available for online registration or renewal. Must be completed via paper form.
TRIAL ATHLETE: “Beginner” athlete membership; eligible for club practices only. The trial membership is for first-time USAWP athletes ONLY. This one-time, 14-day membership is free to the member. To download a registration form, click here. TRIAL MEMBERSHIP ALSO AVAILABLE ONLINE. Click Join to register for a trial membership. Note: requires National Office approval.