Alberta Water Polo - AWPA Sport Physicality & Awareness Pilot Project
Objective: The Alberta Water Polo Association (AWPA) initiated the Sport Physicality & Awareness Pilot Project as a province-wide initiative aimed at fostering a safe and respectful sports culture. The project focused on trialing different initiatives, including modified rules of play, increased disciplinary measures, coach education series, and player/parent education workshops. The goal was to address inappropriate underwater contact and pave the way for a nationwide Player Welfare Program, showcasing the sport's commitment to Safe Sport.
Project Highlights:
- Collaborative Approach:
- Fostered collaborative, open dialogue within the water polo community to address issues related to physicality and player welfare.
- Trialed various initiatives, acknowledging the need for a cultural shift in the sport environment.
- Modified Rules and Disciplinary Measures:
- Introduced modified rules of play to address inappropriate underwater contact.
- Implemented increased disciplinary measures to ensure accountability and promote fair play.
- Education Series and Workshops:
- Conducted a coach education series to raise awareness about the importance of creating a safe and respectful sports environment.
- Organized player/parent education workshops to disseminate information and engage the entire water polo community.
- Provincial Implementation and Structured Leagues:
- Established a structured framework that proved effective for provincial leagues.
- Distributed information with the intent of incorporating successful measures into future programming.
Challenges and Achievements: Addressing the challenges of creating a new sport culture and navigating the current environment, AWPA successfully implemented a structure that works for provincial leagues. Despite initial challenges, the project's consistent efforts are deemed critical to ensuring a safe environment for athletes. AWPA acknowledges the importance of ongoing education and learning from available resources to address issues within the sport effectively. Elements of the work done by AWPA have been adopted by Water Polo Canada in their National Championship League. This adoption has resulted in fewer incidents and higher enrollment, indicating the positive impact of the project.
AWPA remains committed to ensuring that all coaches, referees, and club boards understand the importance of the implemented changes. The ongoing efforts aim to create an environment where parents feel confident enrolling their children, and athletes have a positive and enjoyable experience. The project's success and adoption at the national level set the stage for continued progress in promoting Safe Sport within the water polo community.