Frequently Asked Questions

Water polo is a fast, team‑based sport played in deep water. Players swim, pass, and shoot the ball to score in the other team’s net.

• Players must tread water using the eggbeater kick (no touching the bottom).
• Each team has seven players in the water: six field players and one goalie.
• The game begins with a swim‑off and players advance the ball by swimming with it, passing to a teammate, or shooting at the goal. 
• Field players may hold the ball with one hand; goalies may use both.
• Teams have 30 seconds to take a shot before possession changes.
• Beginner‑friendly versions of water polo use less swimming and shallower water, making it easier for new and younger players to join in.

Watch this short introduction video: What is Water Polo by World Aquatics.

Water polo is known for balancing physically demanding activity with fun, engaging play. It provides a full‑body workout that builds strength, endurance, and cardio fitness.

For beginners, water polo can feel challenging at first. A great entry point is the first month of each session, in September or January. Our summer session is another great entry point. You’ll learn the basics, practice eggbeater, build stamina, and play fun games. These activities prepare you for the rest of the season.

Vipers is a recreation club for athletes who want to enjoy water polo alongside school, other sports, and busy schedules. Unlike competitive clubs, we don’t require the same time and travel commitments or related costs. Our flexible, inclusive programs focus on skill development, teamwork, and fun.

Please see the Program & Fees page for prior swimming experience for each team.

Yes! See Try Out Water Polo for information on our free trial.

For insurance reasons, all players must register. During the free trial registration, they must also complete the Water Polo Canada Free Trial Consent Form. Players can’t participate without completing the formn.

Players in the 12U and up teams are expected to purchase a Vipers swim suit. See Players Resources.

Water polo caps are used for:

• Player identification: numbers and team colours.
• Ear protection: guards help reduce impact and water pressure.

Vipers runs September to August, divided into three sessions:

• Fall: September to December
• Spring: January to April
• Summer: May to August

In the fall, you may sign up for Fall or Fall and Spring. In December you can sign up for Spring. Check back in March for summer session information.

Practice frequency and location vary by team. Details are on our Program & Fees page. Our main pools are:

• Kerrisdale Pool: 5851 W. Boulevard, Vancouver
• UBC Aquatic Centre: 6080 Student Union Blvd, Vancouver‎

We may also use:

• Kerr Pool at St George’s School: 4175 W 29th Ave, Vancouver
• Renfrew Community Centre Pool: 2929 E. 22nd Ave, Vancouver

Teams play games on Saturdays and Sundays. During the fall and spring sessions, teams typically play the following number of games:

• Junior 10U team: about 3 games per session
• Junior 12U to Senior teams: about 3 to 6 games per session
• Masters team: about 2 to 4 games per session–usually on a long weekend

During the summer, games still take place on weekends. However, there are fewer games, and some teams may not have any. Summer is a great time to learn water polo if you’ve never played before. It’s also a good time to build your endurance.

In addition to playing at our Vancouver practice pools, games may be at:

• Bonsor Recreation Complex: 6550 Bonsor Avenue, Burnaby
• Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex (Formerly Chimo Pool): 633 Poirier St., Coquitlam
• City Centre Aquatic Complex (CCAC): 1210 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
• (New) Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre: 130 East 23rd St, North Vancouver
• Central Park Pool: 6110 Boundary Road, Burnaby (Summer only) 

Yes. The 12U to Senior teams play in a fall tournament and a spring tournament. These tournaments are usually held:

• Fall: end of November at CCAC (Coquitlam)
• Spring: end of April at CCAC (Coquitlam)

Players should expect to play multiple games during tournament weekends.

Players on the 12U & 14U teams may also participate in the one-day Ethan Denum Memorial Jamboree tournament at CCAC in February.

Additional tournaments are held in Kelowna.

We generally don’t hold practices or games on the following:

• Statutory holidays
• Halloween
• Long‑weekend Saturdays and Sundays, except Masters team as noted below.
• Winter school break
• March school break

NOTE: Masters team games are usually held on the Sunday morning of long weekends.

The Spond App makes it easy for everyone to stay informed and connected. See Player Resources.

We value:

• Good teamwork
• Strong sportsmanship
• Consistent effort
• Positive responses to coaching and assigned tasks

We expect players to give their best effort in practices and games. We also expect them to contribute to a supportive team culture.

All players are expected to treat teammates, coaches, parents, opponents, and officials with respect. Each session includes both new and experienced players, and we expect everyone to support one another in a positive, encouraging way.

Players are expected to represent Vipers positively before, during, and after practices, games, tournaments, and any club events. At all times, they should listen to their coaches, stay focused, and behave appropriately.

If a player does not meet these expectations, coaches will speak with them and give them a chance to improve. If behaviour does not change, further action may be taken.

Players who:

• Arrive on time
• Come prepared and ready to participate
• Show a positive attitude
• Demonstrate good sportsmanship

…will receive the most playing time during games, scrimmages, and tournaments.

Our coaching team also makes any additional team composition and playing time decisions as needed.

We understand that players are busy and often take part in multiple activities. We support participation in more than one sport. However, we encourage players to attend practices regularly. We also encourage participation in as many games, scrimmages, and tournaments as possible.

We strongly discourage players who just want to practice with Vipers and not attend games. Water polo is a team sport.

Vipers groups players within each team by similar skill levels. We call this our cohort system. We may also invite some players to play with an older team if their skill and maturity levels warrant it. Players new to swimming or water polo may be asked to play with a younger team until their skills improve.

If you have any concerns about how you are being challenged at Vipers, please speak to our Head Coach. If that doesn’t resolve your concerns, please reach out to our volunteer. See Contact Us.

Parents/guardians should commit to 3 hours of volunteering each session. Volunteering may include:

• Score and time keeping during games—don’t worry, we will show you how it is done.
• Serving on the board or a committee.
• Attending Vipers events.

Vipers uses an honor system to track volunteer hours.

Parents/guardians and players are also expected to use the Spond app to communicate attendance to practices and games. See Player Resources.

All fees are listed on our Program & Fees page.

You can apply for financial assistance from:

• KidSport Vancouver
• Canadian Tire Jumpstart
• Athletics for Kids

Vipers fees may be adjusted for players who join after a session begins. However, fees won’t be adjusted for players joining after September but before November 1 for the fall session. For the spring session, fees won’t be adjusted for players joining after January but before March 1.

Spots can’t be held for late registrants.

Water Polo Canada and Water Polo West membership fees can’t be adjusted.

If you’re considering a late start, please contact our volunteer Registrar before registering: registration@vancouverwaterpolo.com.

If a player is injured and can’t play for more than two weeks, they are eligible for a pro-rated refund or credit for the next session. A $50 administration fee is deducted from the refund or credit. The player may be required to produce a medical note explaining how long they are unable to play. Water Polo Canada and Water Polo West membership fees can’t be refunded.

If a player withdraws before the first scheduled practice, they are eligible for a full refund. 

If they withdraw after the first scheduled practice, they may receive a pro-rated refund for unused months, minus a $50 administration fee. To qualify, they must email their withdrawal request within 4 weeks of their registration date. Refunds are not issued after 4 weeks of registration and are not calculated by individual weeks.

Water Polo Canada and Water Polo West membership fees can’t be refunded.

If you want to withdraw, contact our volunteer at registration@vancouverwaterpolo.com and provide the name of the player and their registration date.