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, it can feel challenging at first. The first month of each session (September & January) or our summer session is a great entry point. You’ll learn the basics, practice eggbeater, build stamina, and play fun games which set you up for success in the rest of the season.

We value:

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

Players are expected to give their best effort in practices and games and contribute to a supportive team culture.

As a recreation club, Vipers is designed for athletes who want to enjoy water polo while balancing school, other sports, and busy schedules. Our programs are flexible, inclusive, and focused on skill development, teamwork, and fun—without the time, travel commitments, and related costs required in competitive clubs.

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

Water polo caps are used for:

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

For insurance reasons, all players must register and complete the Water Polo Canada Free Trial Consent Form during registration. Without it, we can’t allow participation. The trial is free. See Try Out Water Polo.

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.

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 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. They should listen to their coaches, stay focused, and behave appropriately at all times.

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.

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

Games are generally played on Sundays. For the fall and spring sessions, the number of games is typically:

• 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 are still held on Sundays, but there are fewer games and some teams may not have any games. Summer is a great time to learn water polo if you have never played before and to build up 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, which 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.

We understand players are busy and often involved in multiple activities. While we support multi‑sport participation, we encourage players to attend practices regularly and take part 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.

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

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.

The Head Coach and coaching team make any additional decisions as needed.

Vipers uses a cohort system which groups players with similar skill levels together. Players within a team are grouped together by skill. Some players may also be invited to play up with an older team should their skill and maturity level warrant it. Players new to swimming or water polo may also 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.

All fees are listed on our Program & Fees page.

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

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

Spots can’t be held for late registrants.

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

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, minus a $50 administration fee. The player may be required to produce a medical note explaining how long the player is 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, provided they 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 waterpolo@vancouverwaterpolo.com and provide the name of the player and their registration date.