United States Olympic Committee

Transcription

1 United States Olympic Committee ATHLETE SELECTION PROCEDURE FORM 2019 PAN AMERICAN GAMES 2020 OLYMPIC GAMES 1

2 USA WATER POLO ATHLETE SELECTION PROCEDURES (Men & Women) 2019 PAN AMERICAN GAMES & 2020 OLYMPIC GAMES June 1, SELECTION SYSTEM 1.1 Provide the minimum eligibility requirements for an athlete to be considered for nomination to the Team: Nationality/Passport Requirements: Athletes must be citizens of the United States at the time of selection or time of nomination and hold a valid United States Passport that will not expire for six months past the completion of the Pan American Games or Olympic Games Minimum International Federation standards for participation (if any): None Other requirements (if any): a) USA Water Polo Membership Requirement: All Athletes must be current registered members of USA Water Polo at the time in which the athlete enters the process and maintain membership throughout the selection, nomination and competitive process. b) Athlete Pool: Athletes meeting the above eligibility requirements are eligible to be selected as a member of the USA Water Polo National Athlete Pool. Athletes must be a member of the Pool at the time of selection to be eligible for nomination to USA Water Polo Senior National Teams including: National Training Teams 2019 USAWP National League 2019 World League Team 2019 World Championship Team 2019 Pan American Games Team 2020 World League Team 2020 Olympic Games Team 2

3 c) Olympic Development Program (ODP) Pipeline: It is mandatory for any athlete desiring to be eligible for consideration for the National team to enroll and participate in the ODP Pipeline, which includes, but not limited to, the National Team Selection Camps for all ages of athletes Athletes who are members of the pool shall include the following: Athletes selected as members of USA Water Polo s National Teams, National Training Teams or other Elite teams as noted above. Athletes selected through our National Team Pipeline and who are named as Junior (20 & U); or Youth (18 & U) National Teams during the quadrennium. Athletes invited to a USA Water Polo Selection and/or Training Camps or tournament during the quadrennium. Athletes identified through collegiate and high school water polo programs. Athletes identified through ongoing scouting see section A Athletes identified through open tryouts Selection as a member of the Pool at any time during the quadrennium does not guarantee selection to participate in any future USA Water Polo program. Furthermore, it does not guarantee that such athlete will be selected to participate in any USA Water Polo program during this quadrennium, including those programs described in these selection procedures. Athletes may be added to and removed from the Pool throughout the quadrennium. 1.2 Tryout Events: Provide the event names, dates and location of all trials, events and/or camps to be used as part of the selection process. Evaluative Events. Athletes will be observed by one or more members of the USA Water Polo National Team Coaching Staff (NTCS) at the events listed as Evaluative Events. See flow chart attached as Exhibit A. Such observation is for the purpose of evaluating athletes with respect to the Selection Criteria Provide event names, dates, locations and description of how athletes qualify for any preliminary or qualifying events or procedures that are prerequisites to attend any of the events listed above. a) Ongoing Scouting. USA Water Polo NTCS will scout athletes at various events throughout the quadrennium. These events will not be limited to national team events. They will include collegiate and 3

4 high school water polo games, competition and training held in conjunction with our Olympic Development Program and other water polo events. All USAWP water polo events should be considered a scouting opportunity. The NTCS will not be individually evaluating each athlete competing at any such event. Instead, scouting will be done so that athletes can be identified who might perform at a level consistent and competitive with the international field of play. Players identified through the ongoing scouting process can be considered for placement within pool by the NTCS. Athletes within the athlete pool are evaluated for nomination to the Pan American Games and/or Olympic Games Teams at all National Team events beginning March 2017 for the Men s Team and January 2017 for the Women s Team. 1.3 Provide a comprehensive, step-by-step description of the method that explains how athletes will go through the selection process to become Team nominees. Selection Criteria: The USA Water Polo NTCS will consider information, such as observation and statistics of both an objective and subjective nature, that pertains to the criteria listed below. They are not weighted and do not constitute a ranking system for team selection. The general philosophy that will prevail throughout the evaluation/selection process will be to identify the athletes that will make the most competitive team for the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru and the 2020 Olympic Games in Japan, respectively. Individual evaluations will be completed on each athlete considered and utilized as part of the final decision making process. 1 The first step in the USA Water Polo athlete selection process is to become a member of the athlete pool. Criteria for becoming a member of the athlete pool can be found in Section of these procedures. 2 Observation/Ongoing Evaluation of Athletes: Following membership within the pool, athletes will be observed and further/continually evaluated at the evaluative events described in Exhibit A by the respective NTCS. Observation and written evaluation duties will be divided amongst the respective staff and reported to other members of the staff in conference following each evaluative event, or during event if applicable. Athletes will be observed in order to develop continuing and further information about identified athletes in regard to the selection criteria. It is 4

5 intended that the observation of the athletes will be an ongoing process. Not every athlete within the athlete pool will be evaluated and observed at every event in which they participate. As a result, it is possible that each athlete being considered in selection for a team may not have been observed at the same evaluative event or as many evaluative events as other athletes also being considered for that particular team. 3 Invitation to USA Water Polo Training Camps: The USA Water Polo NTCS will invite a number of athletes (which may vary each camp) during the quadrennium to attend training camps. Athletes will participate at these camps in training and competitions and will be evaluated at these camps by all members of the NTCS. Camp dates that have been set are noted in Exhibit A. Other dates and locations are still to be determined and location and dates will be announced at at least 30 days in advance. a) USA Water Polo Training Camps: Training Camps (as noted in the evaluative events section) will be conducted in Attendance by all national training team athletes is mandatory at these camps unless excused through written notice by the respective national team head coach. Athletes will be notified at least 30 days prior to the start of the camp. The athletes will participate in various water polo practices and competitions for the purpose of evaluating them with respect to the Selection Criteria. It is intended that every member of the NTCS (gender respective) will attend every training camp. Information regarding training camps is found in Exhibit A. 4 Observation of Athletes at Evaluative/ Competitive Events: Once selected as a member of National Training Team, the athlete may participate in various competitions and events at which they will be observed by our NTCS for the purposes of continuing education of the Selection Criteria. 5 Selection of 2019 Pan American Games Team: The NTCS will select the final roster of the 11 athletes it intends to nominate, of each gender, to compete in the Pan American Games at the discretion of the NTCS but on or before the deadline of June 15, 2019 provided by the USOC. Once the final roster is selected, and approval is received from the USA Water Polo National Team Selection Review Committee, and final approval is given by the USOC, the final roster will become the 2019 Pan American Games team. The 5

6 selections will be based upon the Selection Criteria and include the cumulative written observations of the gender respective NTCS at all of the evaluative events which occur prior to selection of the Final Roster. 6 Selection of 2020 Olympic Teams: The NTCS will select the final roster of the 13 athletes it intends to nominate, of each gender, to compete in the Olympic Games at the discretion of the NTCS but on or before the deadline of June 20, 2020 for the Women s Team and on or before July 1, 2020 for the Men s Team provided by the USOC. Once the final roster is selected, and approval is received from the USA Water Polo National Team Selection Review Committee, and final approval is given by the USOC, the final roster will become the 2020 Olympic Games team. The selections will be based upon the Selection Criteria and include the cumulative written observations of the gender respective NTCS at all of the evaluative events which occur prior to selection of the Final Roster. 1.4 Provide the names of all committees/groups who oversee the selection process, including the name(s) and role(s) of their members. The primary group for making the final recommendations is the gender respective NTCS, which consists of a head coach, and one to two assistant coaches. However, once the respective coaching staff submits their final recommendations, a National Team Selection Review Committee, which is made up of the Chief Executive Officer, Director of Olympic Development, Associate Director of Olympic Development, Men s and Women s Team Managers and two athlete representatives, will confirm or deny the approval of the final selected roster prior to submitting it to the USOC. Women s National Team Coaching Staff (as of June 1, 2018) Adam Krikorian Head Coach Dan Klatt Assistant Coach Chris Oeding Assistant Coach Men s National Team Coaching Staff (as of June 1, 2018) Dejan Udovicic Head Coach Alex Rodriguez Assistant Coach Gavin Arroyo Assistant Coach National Team Selection Review Committee (as of June 1, 2018) Christopher Ramsey Chief Executive Officer John Abdou Chief High Performance Officer Lori Verdegaal Men s Team Leader 6

7 Elizabeth Grimes Jessica Steffens Peter Varellas Women s Team Leader Athlete Representative Athlete Representative 2. DISCRETIONARY SELECTION (if applicable) 2.1 Provide rationale for utilizing discretionary selection (if any): The sport of water polo is not a measured or timed event. In the selection of athletes who will compete together as a team, it is difficult to make selection decisions based solely upon objective criteria. It is the belief of the NTCS that considering the mix of Selection Criteria set out in Section 2 and 1.3, which includes subjective components in evaluation of performance ability and other listed considerations will result in the best athletes, who will work together as an effective team, to continue and enhance the success of the programs. 2.2 List the discretionary criteria and explain how it will be used: In selecting athletes the following Selection Criteria will be considered: 1. Preference will be given to those athletes with National Team and National Training Team experience. 2. Statistical, video, written and observational evaluations of athletes based on the following: i. Offensive Technical Skills ii. Defensive Technical Skills iii. Offensive Tactical Efficiency iv. Defensive Tactical Efficiency v. Physical Strength and Conditioning vi. Long-Term Athlete Potential The above listed criteria shall carry varying significance based on the position that the athlete is playing (i.e.: Right-Side Attacker, Left-Side Attacker, Center Forward, Center Defender, and Goalkeeper). 3. Other considerations shall include the following: 7 i. Teamwork: The willingness to accept a role that leads the team to success.

8 ii. Coachability: The ability to accept, process and incorporate input from the coaching staff. iii. Mental Toughness: The ability to deal with challenges with resiliency. The ability to deal with adversity. iv. Water Polo IQ: Knowledge of the game and game situations that will make their teammates stronger players. v. Attitude: The ability to have a positive attitude and exhibit enthusiasm for the program and support of teammates. 2.3 Provide the name of the committee(s) that will be responsible for making discretionary selections, along with a complete list of the members titles currently serving on the committee: The National Team Coach Staff (NTCS) and the National Team Selection Review Committee (NTSRC) as noted in 1.3 (2) Specify the process that will be used to identify and handle any potential conflicts of interest involving a member of the committee. Any member of the selection committee that has a possible conflict of interest must disclose it. If such conflict exists, the selection committee member must recuse him/herself from committee discussions and voting. Further, the committee member should not otherwise influence other members of the committee in the nomination process. However, a committee member who recused him/herself, but who has relevant and necessary information with respect to athlete performance, for example a national team coach or high performance director, may, if requested by the selection committee, provide such information to the committee so long as such information is provided in a fair and unbiased manner and the committee member who declared the conflict of interest does not vote toward the final decision. 3. REMOVAL OF ATHLETES 3.1 Prior to acceptance of nomination by the USOC, USA Water Polo has jurisdiction over potential nominees. An athlete who is to be nominated to the Team by USA Water Polo may be removed as a nominee for any of the following reasons, as determined by USA Water Polo. 8

9 3.1.1 Voluntary withdrawal. An athlete may voluntarily withdraw from membership in the Pool and/or Teams by submitting a written letter to the USA Water Polo s Chief Executive Officer Injury or Illness. In the event an athlete selected as a member of one of the teams suffers an injury or illness which, in the opinion of the USA Water Polo approved physician, renders the athlete unable to participate in Team events, the athlete can be recommended for removal from the team, either permanently or temporarily, by the NTCS. In determining the length of any removal, the NTCS will consider the recommendation of the selected physician. If an athlete refuses verification of an illness or injury by an approved USA Water Polo physician, the injury will be assumed to be disabling and the athlete will be recommended for removal from the team, either permanently or temporarily by the NTCS Athlete s Pool. An athlete selected as a member of the Pool participates in the Pool at the discretion of the NTCS and may be recommended for removal from the Pool by the NTCS for any action determined by the NTCS to be detrimental to the team, USA Water Polo, or any USA Water Polo athlete, coach or staff. If an athlete is recommended for removal from the Pool, they will receive written notification of such recommendation from the Chief Executive Officer and the gender respective Head Coach Violation of USA Water Polo s Player Agreement/Code of Conduct. An athlete selected as a member of one of the teams may be recommended for removal due to violation of the USA Water Polo Player Agreement/Code of Conduct. Any member of the NTCS, USA Water Polo Board of Directors, National Office Staff, or a team member may report to the NTCS a circumstance which he or she believes to warrant removal of an athlete from the team. The NTCS shall determine whether or not such removal is warranted. If warranted, the NTCS would then recommend removal of the athlete to the USA Water Polo NTSRC. An athlete who has been recommended for removal has a right to a hearing pursuant to USA Water Polo s Bylaws: and USOC Bylaws, Section Once an athlete nomination is accepted by the USOC, the USOC has jurisdiction over the Team, at which time, in addition to any applicable USA Water Polo s Code of Conduct, the USOC s Code of Conduct and Grievance 9

10 Procedures apply. The USOC s Code of Conduct and Grievance Procedures can be found at: Information.aspx 1 A USOC approved team member is subject to the USOC Code of Conduct and Grievance Procedures. 3.2 An athlete may be removed from Nomination or from the Team at any time for violation of IOC (for the Olympic Games), PASO (for the Pan American Games), WADA, FINA, USADA and/or USOC anti-doping protocol, policies and procedures, as applicable. 4. REPLACEMENT OF ATHLETES 4.1 Describe the selection and approval process for determining replacement athlete(s) should a vacancy occur: Replacement athletes will be members of the Athlete Pool as defined in Section Prior to acceptance of nominations by the USOC: In the event an athlete is removed from the Pan American Games or Olympic Games, the NTCS shall choose a replacement athlete from the Pool. The selection shall be made based upon the Selection Criteria outlined in this document After submission of Entries by Name to the Local organizing Committee, including any applicable group or committee: In the event an athlete is removed from the Pan American Games or Olympic Games, the NTCS shall choose a replacement athlete from the Pool. The selection shall be made based upon the Selection Criteria outlined in this document. 4.2 Identify the group or committee that will be responsible for making athlete replacement determinations: Group or committee who determines the replacement pool: National Team Coaching Staff; confirmed by the National Team Selection Review Committee. 10

11 4.2.2 Group or committee who determines a replacement to the team: Prior to acceptance of nominations by the USOC: - National Team Coaching Staff; confirmed by the National Team Selection Review Committee. After acceptance of nominations by the USOC: - National Team Coaching Staff; confirmed by the National Team Selection Review Committee. 5. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS 11 USA Water Polo will retain the approved Selection Procedures and all supporting documents, including scouting or evaluation forms, etc., and data from the selection process for six months past the date of the Closing Ceremonies of both the 2019 Pan American Games and the 2020 Olympic Games. 6. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS In addition to the USOC Code of Conduct, the following documents are required to be signed by an athlete as a condition of the nomination to the National Team Programs, Pan American Games and Olympic Games and are included in the attachments. USA Water Polo Athlete Agreement/Code of Conduct, attached at the end of the document. USOC Code of Conduct: Ombudsman/Games-Information.aspx 7. PUBLICITY/DISTRIBUTION OF PROCEDURES The USOC approved Selection Procedures (complete and unaltered) will be posted/published by the USA Water Polo in the following locations: 7.1 USA Water Polo website: The website information will be posted as soon as possible, but not more than 5 business days following notice of approval by the USOC. 7.2 USA Water Polo Skip Shot Magazine: The USOC approved Selection Procedures (complete and unaltered) will be published in the above noted publication at the next available publication date following the USOC approval and will appear once per year in said publication up until the 2016 Olympic Games. A hard copy will be provided to the USOC Sports Performance Team representative within 30 days of the publication.

12 8. DATE OF NOMINATION Nomination of Athletes form, including replacements, will be submitted to the USOC on or before June 15, 2019 for the Pan American Games and on or before June 20, 2020 for the Men s and Women s Team for the Olympic Games as per the nomination deadlines established by the USOC for these respective Games. 9. MANDATORY TRAINING AND/OR COMPETITION Specify the location, schedule and duration of mandatory training and/or competition: A mandatory training program will be created for the teams in preparation for the Pan American and Olympic Games. Once the program is developed, the affected athletes will be notified no later than 30 days prior to each mandatory training, competition and event. Each member of a team is required to participate in the program of training developed unless a written excuse is provided by the respective national team head coach. 10. ANTI-DOPING REQUIREMENTS Athletes must adhere to all IOC (for the Olympic Games), PASO (for the Pan American Games), WADA, FINA, USADA and USOC anti-doping protocols, policies and procedures, as applicable. This includes participation in out-ofcompetition testing as required by the IOC, PASO, WADA, FINA, USADA and USOC Rules, as applicable. 11. DEVELOPMENT OF SELECTION PROCEDURES The following committee/group was responsible for creating these Selection Procedures: Christopher Ramsey John Abdou Elizabeth Grimes Lori Verdegaal Jessica Steffens Peter Varellas Chief Executive Officer Chief High Performance Officer Women s National Team Leader Men s National Team Leader Athlete Representative Athlete Representative 12. USA WATER POLO BYLAWS AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES USAWP Bylaws and Grievance Procedures can be found at: 12

13 Any athlete not selected as a member of one of the teams can submit specific questions in writing to the National Teams Operations Manager with regard to their individual selection decision. The National Teams Operations Manager in conference with the NTSRC and the NTCS, will respond to the inquiry in writing within 5 business days of receipt of the inquiry. There is an athlete grievance process set out in the USA Water Polo Bylaws and the USOC Bylaws, Article IX. If an aggrieved athlete institutes a grievance, the athlete shall have the right to receive copies of documentation referred to in Section V, above, which pertains to that particular athlete. 13. INTERNATIONAL DISCLAIMER These procedures are based on IOC (for Olympic Games), PASO (for Pan American Games) and/or FINA rules and regulations as presently known and understood. Any change in the selection procedures caused by a change in IOC, PASO, and/or FINA rules and regulations will be distributed to the affected athletes immediately. The selection criteria are based on the latest information available to USA Water Polo. However, the selections are always subject to unforeseen, intervening circumstances, and realistically may not have accounted for every possible contingency. If any force of nature, or force majeure, should cause the altercation or cancellation of any of the selection events listed in this document, these selection procedures will be revised, pursuant to their resubmission to the USOC. 14. ATHLETE OMBUDSMAN Athletes who have questions regarding their opportunity to compete that are not answered by USA Water Polo may contact the USOC Athlete Ombudsman: Kacie Wallace by: - Toll free telephone at (719) at athlete.ombudsman@usoc.org - Website: Ombudsman 13

14 15. USA WATER POLO SIGNATURES I certify that I have read and understand the standards/criteria set by our IF and incorporated those standards/criteria into our Selection Procedures. I further certify that the information provided herein regarding Athlete Selection Procedures represents the method approved by USA Water Polo. Position Print Name Signature Date USA Water Polo Chief Executive Officer Christopher Ramsey USAWP Chief High Performance Officer USAWP Women s National Team Manager John Abdou Elizabeth Grimes USAWP Men s National Team Manager Lori Verdegaal USOC Athletes Advisory Council Representative Jessica Steffens

15 EXHIBIT A - Men USA WATER POLO ATHLETE SELECTION PROCEDURES 2019 PAN AMERICAN GAMES and 2020 OLYMPIC GAMES MENS NATIONAL TEAM - POOL PLAYERS AND EVENTS Ongoing Evaluation - Selected Water Polo Events within the United States o Which includes College, High School, Club, and Age Group Competition Olympic Development Program (ODP) - ODP Training Team: 2,500 athletes training - ODP National Championships: o athletes invited to ODP National Championship - National Training and Selection Camp o 210 athletes selected from National Training Camps National Team Pipeline 48 athletes invited to our 00 & U National Team Training 18 athletes invited to our 99 & U National Team Training 18 athletes invited to our Senior National Team Training Men s National League Annually held January - May Top players invited to training camps from following programs: o NCAA o High School NCAA student athlete are required to participate in order to be named to a National Team 2018 Evaluation Events: Fisher Cup May 2018 Up to 24 athletes selected to attend the 2014 Summer Training Camps Training Camps January o Up to 24 of the top athletes not playing professionally in Europe o Invited by NTCS 15

16 March o Up to 24 of the top athletes selected o Invited by NTCS April o Up to 24 of the top athletes not playing professionally in Europe o Invited by NTCS Held between May 25 - August athletes named to FINA World League Super Final Team 13 athletes named to the FINA World Championships Team 13 athletes named to the FINA Junior World Championships Team Competition May: Fisher Cup o Up to 24 athletes will be invited to participate in full-time training beginning July 19, 2018 May: World League Qualifier o Up to 14 athletes will be invited from Training Camps, Regional Trainings, Fisher Cup and February European Trip June: World League Super Final August: FINA World Cup 2019 Evaluation Events: Training Camps Held bi-monthly between January and August Up to 40 athletes to attend o Invited by NTCS Up to 30 athletes selected to National Training Teams Regional Trainings Held between in January- May on a bi-weekly basis Conducted at 4 regions throughout the United States NTCS and ODP coaches conduct and evaluate Competitions European Trip (February or March) o Up to 16 athletes will be invited from Training Camps, Regional Trainings and National League Intercontinental Cup (April or May) o 13 athletes will be selected from Training Camps, Regional Trainings and National League 2019 FINA World Championships Fisher Cup (May) 16

17 World League Super Finals (June) National League (March-August) o Up to 24 athletes will be invited to participate in full-time training 2020 Evaluation Events: Training Camps Full-Time residential training between January and August Up to 40 athletes to attend o Invited by NTCS Up to 30 athletes selected to National Training Teams Competitions European Trip (February or March) o Up to 16 athletes will be invited from Training Camps, Regional Trainings and Trial Series Intercontinental Cup (April or May) and Super Final (June) o Up to 14 athletes will be selected from Training Camps, Regional Trainings and National League Fisher Cup (May) o Up to 24 athletes will be invited to participate in full-time training National League (March-August) 17

18 EXHIBIT A - Women USA WATER POLO ATHLETE SELECTION PROCEDURES 2019 PAN AMERICAN GAMES and 2020 OLYMPIC GAMES WOMENS NATIONAL TEAM - POOL PLAYERS AND EVENTS Ongoing Screening Selected Water Polo Events within the United States o Includes College, High School, Club, and Age Group Competition Olympic Development Program ODP Training Team: 2,500 athletes training ODP Championships: 600+ athletes invited to ODP National Championship 210 athletes selected from National Training and Selection Camp National Team Pipeline 48 athletes invited to our Youth 16 & U National Training Team 30 athletes invited to our Junior 18 & U National Training Team 2018 Evaluation Events: 2018 Summer/Fall Training Camps Held between May - July athletes named to FINA World League Super Final Team 13 athletes named to the FINA World Cup Team (if applicable) 13 athletes named to the Junior Pan American Games Team 2018 Collegiate Cup November 10-11, athletes competing with their college or national teams November Training Camp Up to 30 athletes attend 18

19 2018 Competitive Evaluative Events June: World League Super Final September: FINA World Cup 2019 Evaluation Events: 2019 Summer/Fall Training Camps Held between May - August athletes named to FINA World League Super Final Team 13 athletes named to the FINA World Championships Team 13 athletes named to the Junior World Championships Team 2019 September Training Camp September Athletes named to the 2019 Pan American Games Team 2019 Collegiate Cup November athletes competing with their college or national teams November Training Camp Up to 30 athletes attend 13 athletes named to the Six Nations Cup Team in Montreal, Canada 15 athletes named to the Holiday Cup Team 2019 Competitive Evaluative Events FINA World League Super Final UANA Pan American Games FINA World Championships 2020 Evaluation Events: 2020 Full Time Residential Training Up to 40 athletes in training 15 athletes named to the FINA World League Super Final Team 13 athletes named to the 220 Olympic Games Team 2020 Competitive Evaluative Events FINA World League TBD: International Competition 19

20 20 USAWP Code of Conduct USA Water Polo (USAWP) congratulates you on your association with the USAWP Olympic Development Program ( ODP ). Because of the many responsibilities that ODP Athletes incur as representatives of the United States and USAWP in national, international and Olympic competition, USAWP requires that you read carefully and sign this agreement as a condition of your association with Olympic Development Program. I agree to uphold the spirit of the USA Water Polo Player Agreement/Code of Conduct, which constitutes a guide to my conduct as a member of the ODP. I acknowledge that I have a right to a hearing if my opportunity to compete is denied or if I am charged with a violation of this Code of Conduct. I hereby acknowledge that for so long as I am an ODP Athlete, it will be my unconditional responsibility to: 1. Act in a sportsmanlike manner consistent with the spirit of fair play and reasonable conduct. 2. Act in a way that will bring respect and honor to myself, my team, USAWP, and the USA. 3. Remember that at all times I am an ambassador for my sport, and my country. 4. Respect the property of others, whether personal or public. 5. Respect members of my team, other teams, spectators and officials, and not engage in any form of verbal, physical or sexual harassment or abuse. 6. Maintain a level of fitness and competitive readiness that will permit me to perform to the maximum of my ability when participating in any competition as an ODP Athlete. 7. Refrain from conduct detracting from my ability, or that of my teammates, to attain peak performance. 8. Not engage in criminal behavior. 9. Refrain from the use of, or the providing to others of, alcohol or drugs in violation of any local, state or national law, including the laws of any foreign country or political subdivision thereof while in that foreign country. 10. Not commit a doping violation as defined by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) or Federation International de Natacion (FINA). 11. Maintain a current membership as an athlete with United States Water Polo, Inc. and produce proof of such membership as requested by any ODP representative; 12. Have at all times a valid, current and usable passport for travel outside the United States and for identification as required at competitions in the United States, provide any ODP representative with a copy of my passport upon request and, as needed, additional passport style photos for use in visa applications or for completion of other forms; 13. Comply with all training requirements established by any ODP coach, including a) participating in all ODP training camps for the full duration of those camps unless excused prior to the session by the head coach, b) adhering to prescribed training schedules and regimens and c) participating in all required physiological testing; 14. Be available to participate in national and international competitions and exhibitions when requested to do so by the ODP staff, unless excused prior to the competition by the head coach. 15. Abide by the rules for water polo team members as established by the appropriate USAWP staff in written form and distributed in advance for each ODP athlete category (National A, National Junior, and National Youth) (including by way of example, rules regarding curfew and required attendance at team meetings or functions). 16. Abide by the rules of conduct for particular events established by the IOC, USOC, USAS, Amateur Swimming Union of the Americas (ASUA), PASO, FINA or USA Water Polo. 17. Assume any and all additional cost resulting from my decision not to take advantage of (or to change) the transportation, room and board services provided while traveling as an ODP athlete. 18. Dress in ODP athlete apparel provided by USAWP's ODP suppliers and sponsors, as required, including warm-ups, competitive and travel apparel, and refrain from wearing apparel manufactured by or displaying the logo of a competitor of USAWP's national suppliers and sponsors, when participating in USAWPsponsored clinics, official appearances, or participating in ODP competitions or exhibitions, except for

21 personal competitive gear not supplied by a USAWP supplier or sponsor. 19. On trips, whether they are domestic or international, bring all equipment issued or that I am requested to bring; for competitions, including my cap(s), swimsuit, warm-ups, towel and carry bag to the venue. 20. Participate in promotional events and media interviews arranged to publicize the ODP and/or the competitions in which I am asked to participate, unless excused by the head coach, ODP Manager or Chief Executive Officer (USAWP will consider your time commitments, previous obligations and specific training requirements when scheduling such events). 21. Agree to be filmed and photographed by the official photographer(s) and network(s) of USA Water Polo (USAWP) under conditions authorized by USAWP and give event organizers and USAWP the right to use my name, picture, likeness and biographical information before, during and after the period of my participation in these activities for all purposes, including to promote the team on which I compete and for instructional purposes; provided that, other than as to my wearing ODP athlete apparel in any photograph or video, in no event may USAWP or the event organizers use or authorize use of my name, likeness, voice and biographical information for the purpose of trade, including any use in a manner that would imply endorsement of any company, product or service, without my written permission. 22. Give consent, or provide parental consent if a minor, to emergency medical treatment as required for injuries incurred during training or competition. 23. Acknowledge the risk of catastrophic injury, paralysis, and even death as well as other damages and losses associated with participation in water polo. I further agree that United States Water Polo, Inc., and its sponsors, suppliers, employees, agents, athletes, coaches, team leaders, officers, and directors shall not be liable for any loss or damage occurring as a result of my participation in water polo. 24. Sign a USOC Athlete Designee Form for a USOC and/or USAWP grant. Further I will only be entitled to said funding grant so long as I am a USAWP ODP athlete. 25. Promptly report any violation of this Code of Conduct by myself or any other person to my coach and chaperone. Violations of the foregoing may have serious consequences including, for example, suspension from one or more games in ODP competition, being sent home from trips at the athlete's expense, or suspension from the any team to which the athlete may be assigned. Should an athlete be denied the right to compete, the athlete may file a grievance with USAWP in accordance with USAWP s Bylaws. I have read and accept this Code of Conduct/Player Agreement. I agree to the rules, guidelines, jurisdiction and procedures stated in these documents as a condition of being selected to participate as a member of the Team. Athlete Signature Date Print Full Name Acknowledged and Approved by Parent (s) or Guardian (s): Signature of Parent or Guardian of Athlete Print Name Date Signature of Parent or Guardian of Athlete Print Name Date 21

22 USAWP Waiver and Release of Liability In consideration of being allowed to participate in any way in USA Water Polo sanctioned and sponsored trainings, competitive events, or other activities, I acknowledge and agree that: 1. I understand that I or (if the participant is a minor) my child or ward (collectively, a "Minor Participant"), will be engaging in training, competition and travel, including hotel stays, and travel to and from camps, competition and venues. I understand these activities involve the risk of serious injury, including permanent disability and death, severe social and economic losses and other loss including damage to property. I further understand that I am responsible for supervising my Minor Participant while my Minor Participant is engaged in the foregoing activities and that USA Water Polo has not assumed any responsibility for such supervision. 2. I knowingly and freely assume all such risks on my own behalf and on the behalf of my Minor Participant. 3. I, for myself, my Minor Participant and on behalf of my and their heirs and assigns, release, waive, discharge and covenant not to sue USA Water Polo, Inc., its officers, agents, employees, and sponsors as well as its affiliate clubs, from any and all liability for any and all claims, demands, losses or damages on account of injury, including death and damage to property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise. 4. I hereby give consent for USA Water Polo to provide me and, if applicable, my Minor Participant with medical care and treatment and emergency medical services associated with participation in training and competition events. Additionally, I hereby agree that, in the event I elect to obtain any of these services or treatments from any sources other than that provided or approved by USA Water Polo, I shall accept full and complete responsibility. I further authorize the release of any medical information necessary to process a claim for accident/medical payment insurance for an injury or illness incurred while I, or, if applicable, my Minor Participant, is participating in any event sanctioned or sponsored by USA Water Polo. 5. If the participant is a minor, I consent to the collection of personal information regarding my Minor Participant through USA Water Polo's online Membership Database. I further consent to my Minor Participant, as applicable, being listed in the USA Water Polo Directory for distribution to college coaches. Signature of Parent or Guardian of Athlete Print Name Date Signature of Parent or Guardian of Athlete Print Name Date 22