FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

About Water Polo & Vipers

How do you play water polo?

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.

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

Is water polo a tough sport?

Water polo is known for being physically demanding. It provides a full‑body workout that builds strength, endurance, and cardio fitness.

For beginners, it can feel challenging at first. Our summer season is a great entry point—you’ll learn the basics, practice eggbeater, build stamina, and play fun games before joining a full season.

Why do players wear caps?

Water polo caps are used for:

  • Player identification: numbers and team colours.
  • Ear protection: guards help reduce impact and water pressure.
Do I need to know how to swim before joining?

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

Why do I need to complete the Try Out Form to just try out Vipers water polo?

For insurance reasons, all players must complete the Try Out Form before entering the water. Without it, we can’t allow participation.

How long is the Vipers season?

Vipers runs September to August, divided into three seasons:

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

You may register for one, two, and/or all three seasons.

What volunteer commitment is needed?

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

  • Score and time keeping during games.
  • Serving on the board or a committee.
  • Using RAMP to communicate your player’s attendance to practices and games.
  • Attending Vipers events.

Vipers uses an honor system to track volunteer hours.

What behaviour is expected in the team environment?

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

What behaviour is expected from each player?

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.

What values does Vipers prioritize?

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.

Practices & Games

When, where, and how often do you practice?

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

We may also use:

When, where, and how often are games?

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

  • 10U team: about 3 games per season
  • 12U to 18U teams: about 6 to 8 games per season
  • Masters team: about 4 games per season–usually on a long weekend.

During the summer, games are still held on Sundays, but there are very few 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 keep up your endurance.

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

Do you play in any tournaments?

Yes, the 12U to 18U teams, play in a fall tournament and a spring tournament, which are usually held:

  • Fall: Last weekend of November at CCAC (Coquitlam)
  • Spring: Last weekend 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.

When do you not practice or play games?

We 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.

Do players need to attend every practice and game?

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.

How do I keep track of practices & games?

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

How is playing time during games determined?

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.

What if I’m not being challenged enough or I’m too challenged during practices and games?

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.

Fees, Expenses & Refunds

How much does Vipers cost?

All fees are listed on our Program & Fees page.

What equipment do I need to buy?

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

Do you offer financial assistance?

You can apply for financial assistance from:

If I register late after the season starts, do I have to pay the full amount?

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 I get injured and can’t play, can I get a refund?

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 season, 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 I quit, can I get a refund?

If a player quits before the first scheduled practice of a season, they are entitled to a full refund.

If a player quits after the first scheduled practice of a season, they are eligible for a pro-rated refund, minus a $50 administration fee, if they request to withdraw by email within their first 4 weeks of their registration date (not including try‑outs). This applies to both early and late registrations, whether or not the player attended practices.  

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.