Professional Development & Education

Coach EducationCoach Referee EducationReferees Coach AcademyBall Coach ManualCoaching Manual Mobile Coach App4173 Positive Coaching AlliancePositive Coaching Alliance Logo

Coach Education

"The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” - William A. Ward
USA Water Polo is committed to assisting all coaches on their journeys toward becoming inspirational leaders in our sport. We offer a wide range of educational opportunities that allow coaches to access content both virtually and in-person wherever they are along that path.
 

Referee Education

All referees are required to attend an in-person Referee School once every 2 years to remain certified.

    Please reach out to your Zone Head Referee to inquire about future referee school opportunities within your zone.
    Zone Referee Contact and Resources can be found here... https://usawaterpolo.org/sports/2018/11/28/members-contacts-resources-html.aspx

Coach Academy

Established in 2020 and developed collaboratively with experienced coaches and professional educators, the USA Water Polo’s Coach Academy is a series of coaching clinics designed to develop the holistic water polo coach. These in-person clinics provide coaches of all levels with the opportunity to learn from top experts in the sport, enhance their leadership abilities, and refine their technical and tactical knowledge. Coach Academy also emphasizes the value of building connections, offering a platform for coaches to network with peers from across the country. Whether you are a seasoned coach or just beginning your journey, participating in the Coach Academy is not only an investment in your own growth but also in the success and development of the athletes you lead. Below is a list of this year’s Coach Academy clinics—your next step toward coaching excellence!

2025 Coach Academy Clinics*
Feb 8-9 @ Chicago, Illinois 
Feb 8-9 @ Atlanta, Georgia
March 1-2 @ Kearns, Utah
March 9-10 @ Newberg, Oregon 
May 17-18 @ San Antonio, Texas
August 9-10 @ Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

* To register for a Coach Academy event, log into your USA Water Polo Account and visit the “conferences” page (link located on the left hand side of the page). For non-USAWP members, click on the “join now” on the USA Water polo website and create an account. You do not need to purchase an annual USAWP membership, but you do need to create a free basic account in order to register for Coach Education events.

Virtual Coach Education Series

In 2024, USA Water Polo launched the Virtual Coach Education Series to provide greater accessibility to coaching education opportunities so that every coach has the opportunity to grow, learn, and excel. The Virtual Coach Education Series is a collection of online events designed to connect coaches across the country with some of the most knowledgeable and experienced professionals in water polo. Each session lasts approximately two hours and focuses on essential coaching topics to enhance your skills and knowledge. Topics include athlete development, tactical and technical training, planning and organization, and so much more!

This series is designed for coaches at all levels—whether you’re new to coaching or an experienced mentor looking to sharpen your skills, this program is for you. With the convenience of virtual access, you’ll be able to learn from top coaches in the sport, discover new strategies to elevate your team, and join a community of passionate coaches dedicated to improving their craft and advancing the sport of water polo.

2025 Spring Virtual Coach Academy Series

  • February 16, 2025
  • March 28, 2025
  • April 6, 2025
  • May 4, 2025

2025 Fall Virtual Coach Academy Series

  • dates will be released in August 2025


* Registration will be available for single sessions or the full series.
** To register for a Coach Academy event, log into your USA Water Polo Account and visit the “conferences” page (link located on the left hand side of the page). For non-USAWP members, click on the “join now” on the USA Water polo website and create an account. You do not need to purchase an annual USAWP membership, but you do need to create a free basic account in order to register for Coach Education events.

Digital Coaching Manual

The USA Water Polo Digital Coaching Manual is a groundbreaking resource, being the first of its kind offered exclusively in a digital format. Now in its second iteration, this comprehensive manual provides coaches of all levels with unparalleled access to valuable information across a wide range of topics. From nutrition and athlete development to technical and tactical training, the manual is designed to equip coaches with the tools they need to support their athletes and elevate their teams. Accessible anytime and anywhere, this innovative resource reflects USA Water Polo’s commitment to advancing the sport by empowering coaches with cutting-edge knowledge and strategies. The most current version is available here.

Mobile Coach App

Using a current USA Water Polo membership, coaches can now have access to thousands of resources at their fingertips! To learn more about the USA Water Polo Mobile Coaching App, HERE is a walk through of some of the key features of the app. To use, simply launch from your desktop computer follow this Mobile Coach Resource Step-by-Step Instructions to sign up and access drills, video, and more. Must be a current USAWP member. Download the mobile application to your smartphone through the App Store (Android Market coming soon!) to have your favorite drills, skills, videos, and other resources to take with you anywhere. Just search: USA Water Polo Mobile Coach to download in the store.

 

Positive Coaching Alliance

The Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to developing better athletes and better people through a positive, character-building sports culture. PCA works with coaches, parents, athletes, and sports organizations to promote a positive approach to coaching that fosters teamwork, resilience, and personal growth. By emphasizing the importance of life lessons through sports, the PCA encourages a balanced focus on winning and character development, helping young athletes gain confidence, learn from setbacks, and build a lifelong love for their sport.

Partnering with PCA demonstrates a commitment to creating an environment where athletes not only excel on the field but also grow into respectful, responsible leaders off the field. For organizations, adopting PCA’s principles can strengthen their community by prioritizing integrity, inclusivity, and positivity. For more information about PCA, please visit their website.

 

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