MAJOR LEAGUE WATER POLO 2011 HANDBOOK 1/1/2011 V3.0

Transcription

1 1/1/2011 V3.0

2 Table of Contents 1. Overview of Major League Water Polo (MLWP) Mission Statement Vision Statement Purpose of the Handbook Handbook Amendments Process Governance Organizational Structure Roles and Responsibilities Meetings Conflicts of Interest Financial Obligations General Rules Team Eligibility Player Eligibility Rules of Play Duration of the Game Pool Specification and Setup Competition Format Statistics Article Causing Injury Officials Definition Selection Criteria Appointment Criteria Reporting of Disciplinary Issues Post-Game Protocol Payments and Allowances MLWP Team and Individual Awards MLWP Trophy and Banner Playoff Most Valuable Player:... 16

3 6.3 Regular Season Most Valuable Player Regular Season Most Valuable Goalie Regular Season Best Defensive Player Regular Season Top Goal Scorer Regular Season Most Valuable Coach Awards Ceremony Judiciary Discipline Forfeits, Defaults, and Other Rule Violations Participant Code of Conduct Definition Athlete Responsibilities Coach Responsibilities Chaperone Responsibilities Referee Responsibilities Doping Control Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) Eligibility Testing Pool Frequency of Testing Field of Play...22 Expansion Application Form...23 N.B. All changes from the 2010 Handbook are written in red.

4 1. Overview of Major League Water Polo (MLWP) 1.1. Mission Statement: To provide competitive water polo opportunities for male and female athletes aged eighteen (18) and over. MLWP is part of Water Polo Canada s (WPC) implementation of its Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model for athletes in the Training to Compete and Training to Perform pathways in the competition stream Vision Statement: MLWP will expand to include all provinces from coast to coast, and will be the premier club water polo league in Canada for male and female athletes aged 18 and over. MLWP will increase participant retention at all levels: athletes, referees, coaches, and volunteers/administrators Purpose of the Handbook: This Handbook outlines the rules upon which MLWP is conducted and governed. The Handbook must be present at all league matches (electronic or hard copy) and should be referred to by both clubs and referees in all matters of dispute. The Handbook also details the minimum standards for hosting MLWP matches. 2. Handbook Amendments 2.1. Process: Amendments to this Handbook can only be done on an annual basis at the fall Board of Governors (BOG) conference call. Teams/clubs must submit amendment proposals fourteen (14) days prior to the fall BOG conference call. The League Commissioner (LC), WPC, and the Provincial Organizations (PSO) may also provide amendments fourteen (14) days prior to the fall BOG conference call. The LC must submit a list of proposed amendments to all BOG members at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the fall conference call. All amendments must be voted upon by the BOG with a 2/3 majority vote. Any changes to competition format and league schedule will only go into effect the following season. Any changes voted with a 2/3 majority vote with regards to financial obligations must be approved by WPC. Water Polo Canada mlwp@waterpolo.ca Fax : Page 1

5 3. Governance 3.1. Organizational Structure: WATER POLO CANADA LEAGUE COMMISSIONER PSOs (OWP/FWPQ) REFEREE-IN- CHIEF (OWP) REFEREE-IN- CHIEF (FWPQ) BOARD OF GOVERNORS DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE CLUBS OWP REFEREES FWPQ REFEREES MLWP TEAMS 3.2. Roles and Responsibilities: The roles and responsibilities of the above stakeholders and administrators are outlined in the following sections Water Polo Canada (WPC): WPC is responsible for sanctioning MLWP and all events surrounding the league. WPC is responsible for appointing and mandating a League Commissioner to run the day-to-day operations and ensure the league is being run according to the bylaws and objectives of WPC. WPC has veto with regards to all financial obligations. WPC may consult, and/or intervene, on issues regarding sanctions and penalties, protests, and appeals. WPC dos not have voting rights; however, for the issues mentioned in the latter may apply its veto right if decisions made by the BOG are in contradiction with the WPC bylaws League Commissioner (LC): The LC is appointed, or hired, by WPC. The LC will either be a full-time paid employee, or a contracted employee. The LC must report up to WPC and the BOG. The LC is responsible for overseeing the day-today operations of the league, and ensuring there is a long-term sustainable growth strategy in line with the objectives of WPC and LTAD. The LC will be an ex-officio member (non-voting rights) of the BOG. The LC s main duties include: Organize BOG meetings and conference calls; Submit handbook amendments and fall conference call agenda to all BOG members at least forty-eight (48) hours prior; Water Polo Canada mlwp@waterpolo.ca Fax : Page 2

6 Create the annual league budget and year-end financial report; Create the annual schedule; Management of all protests and discipline issues; Communicate all sanctions and penalties directly to the team/club s BOG Rep, and the entire BOG; Hire a Referee-In-Chief (RIC) for each division; Work with RIC to ensure referees are being scheduled appropriately, taking into account certification and cost efficiency; Maintain leagues stats (team and individual) and web site; Ensure press releases are being written periodically; Ensure this Handbook is being adhered to Referee-In-Chief (RIC): WPC will contract a RIC to manage games being played in Ontario and a RIC to manage games being played in Quebec. Each RIC will enter into an annual contractual agreement with WPC at a rate of $600 per season. The RIC, in conjunction with the LC, will be responsible for selecting qualified referees to officiate all MLWP games both men s and women s leagues. The RIC will appoint two (2) referees per contest. The RIC will be an ex-officio member (non-voting rights) of the BOG. The RIC will sit on the Discipline Committee. The RIC will also be responsible for ensuring all MLWP referees adhere to the WPC Officials Code of Conduct, and may be asked, by the BOG, to discipline referees that do not conform to the standards outlined in the Code of Conduct. The RIC will ensure that all post-game reports submitted to him/her by the league referees are forwarded to the LC within twenty-four (24) hours after the game Board of Governors (BOG): Composition: Each team participating in MLWP must have a representative on the BOG. Each league (men and women) will have its own BOG that will be responsible for the governance and growth of the league. A person cannot represent more than one (1) team per league. The LC, RIC, and PSOs will be ex-officio members (non-voting) on the BOG. The National Team coaches may be asked to advise and consult, however, will not have voting rights. Teams during their expansion year will have an ex-officio BOG rep. Only after one (1) full year of league participation will the team s BOG rep receive voting rights. Water Polo Canada mlwp@waterpolo.ca Fax : Page 3

7 Communication: The BOG will report to the LC and will communicate with all MLWP teams/clubs. All communication to and from the LC will be done through: 1) ; 2) phone or; 3) fax. The BOG will have at least one (1) conference call per season, to be held in the fall of each year. There may be additional conference calls held throughout the season to deal with sanctions and penalties, disciplinary issues, and expansion Voting Right: Each member will have one (1) vote for all issues that require voting. All motions must have a 2/3 majority vote in order to be passed. Voting may be conducted through conference call or , and by proxy Primary Responsibilities: The BOG will be responsible for the maintenance of the Handbook, enforcement of league rules as outlined by this Handbook, and the growth and marketing of the league. The BOG may make recommendations through the LC to WPC for matters that concern financial obligations, however, will not have the ability to make any changes without the consent of WPC Discipline Committee: The Discipline Committee will be comprised of the LC, the RIC (OWP and FWPQ), and a neutral third (3 rd ) party. This committee will be formed on an ad-hoc basis with regards to sections 7.1, 7.2, and 7.3 of this Handbook Provincial Organizations (PSOs): Ontario (OWP) and Quebec (FWPQ) will be the PSOs involved in MLWP. The PSOs will be ex-offico members (non-voting rights) of the BOG. The PSOs will be consulted at BOG meetings to ensure growth plans are in-line with their LTAD plans. It is the responsibility of each PSO to ensure that each MLWP team/club is trained accordingly and understands how to use the Membership Registration System as all teams/clubs, athletes, coaches, chaperones, volunteers, and officials must be registered at in the correct registration category in order to be eligible to participate in MLWP. PSOs must also ensure that each MLWP team/club is trained accordingly and understands how to use the Event Management System as each MLWP team/club must register their team and roster online. User Guides can be found online at Water Polo Canada mlwp@waterpolo.ca Fax : Page 4

8 Referees: Referees will communicate directly with their RIC. Referee honorarium and travel expenses will be paid by WPC. Referees requesting travel reimbursement must follow the protocol listed in 5.6 of this Handbook. Referees must apply all rules as they are written in this Handbook, the FINA Rule Book , and interpretations made at the FINA Schools. Referees are responsible for the total control of the game. MLWP referees are expected to wear a MLWP golf shirt in addition to the normal attire required by FINA regulations. Referees must adhere to the WPC Code of Conduct. Referees, who demonstrate a gross disrespect of the WPC Code of Conduct and the integrity of MLWP, WPC, and the game of water polo, will be held accountable for their actions through sanctions and suspensions. Sanctions and suspensions may be applied to other WPC sanctioned events Teams/Clubs: Teams/clubs must ensure they follow all rules and regulations outlined in this Handbook and the FINA Rule Book Teams/clubs will be responsible for the following items: All MLWP coaches, athletes, referees, and paid minor officials must be registered as Competitive members and are Active on the Water Polo Canada Membership Registration System at User Guides can be found online at All MLWP chaperones, volunteers, and non-paid minor officials must be registered at least as Volunteer members and are Active on the Water Polo Canada Membership Registration System at User Guides can be found online at The personal contact information listed on the Water Polo Canada Membership Registration System of each MLWP participant is accurate; The MLWP team is registered as of December 1 st of each year. Teams must be registered online using the Water Polo Canada Event Management System at User Guides can be found online at The initial roster, including coaches, chaperones, and athletes, are registered online as of January 1 st of each year. Rosters must be registered online using the Water Polo Canada Event Management System at User Guides can be found online at Teams/clubs must manage their roster throughout the MLWP season by adding/dropping participants using the Water Polo Canada Event Management System at User Guides can be found online at Water Polo Canada mlwp@waterpolo.ca Fax : Page 5

9 Deposits are submitted by June 30 th of each year by credit card; Balance of registration fee payment is submitted by November 30 th of each year by credit card; Adhere to all sanctions and penalties; Book pool time as requested by the LC; Submit pool costs to the LC by the requested deadline; In order for WPC to reimburse teams/clubs for pool costs, or pay pool bills directly to facility, an invoice from the facility must be sent to WPC either by fax ( ) or by Under no circumstances will pool costs be paid by WPC without an official invoice from the facility; The field of play is setup as per the standard outlined in section and on page 22 of the appendix; There are a sufficient number of minor officials (scoresheet, penalties, game clock, and shot clock). Goal judges are mandatory for the playoff weekend; There is an audio system setup for announcements. This is requested for the playoff weekend; Scoresheets to be submitted to the LC within twenty-four (24) hours after the conclusion of each game. Scoresheets must be sent via using the MS Excel worksheet provided by MLWP. A sample scoresheet will be provided to all BOG members Meetings: Purpose and Frequency: All meetings will be governed by the principles of Robert s Rules of Order. All BOG members, including the LC, RIC, and PSOs are invited to take part in all formal conference calls. From time to time, the National Team coaches may be asked to sit on meetings as advisors and consultants. The BOG will be expected to meet, via conference call, at least once (1) per season in the fall. The annual fall BOG meeting will be separate for men and women. The main purpose of the fall BOG meeting is to reflect and analyze on the past season, plan for the upcoming season, and vote on proposed motions for amendments to the Handbook. Proposed amendments must be submitted to the LC at least fourteen (14) days prior to the fall conference call. The LC must then forward all proposals to all BOG members at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the fall conference call along with the agenda. The fall conference call must be announced at least fourteen (14) days in advance. All conference calls will be organized and chaired by the LC. Meetings may be called to order at any point in the season, at least five (5) days in advance. Water Polo Canada mlwp@waterpolo.ca Fax : Page 6

10 Voting Rights: Each BOG Representative will have one (1) vote. All motions must be passed with a 2/3 majority vote. The male and female BOG will be asked to vote on separate issues. The LC, RIC, and PSOs will take part in all BOG meetings and conversations, however, will not have any voting rights. Voting may be conducted anonymously through , in person, or on a conference call Voting by Proxy: A Delegate may hold a proxy vote for one (1) team only, such proxy must be held in writing ( ) and must unconditionally appoint the proxy to act and vote on behalf of the team which is granting the proxy in respect of any and all matters raised at the relevant Conflicts of Interest: All BOG members, ex-officio included, will be removed from all discussions and decisions in which they are deemed to have a conflict of interest. The LC, in conjunction with WPC, will make the decision of who is in conflict. If the person deemed to be in conflict of interest is a voting member of the Discipline Committee, the LC may mandate a neutral third (3 rd ) party to replace the said person to have been deemed to be in conflict of interest Financial Obligations: All MLWP participating teams will be expected to pay an entry fee at the beginning of each season. The annual budget will be drawn up by the LC and approved by WPC. The league budget will be based on a cost-recovery basis. All operational costs, including inter-divisional pool time, will be included in the budget and divided equally amongst all participating teams. All pool costs must be sent to the LC upon request. Pool costs must be sent directly from the facility in an official invoice to WPC by (mlwp@waterpolo.ca) or fax ( ). If the team/club pays for pool time, and would like to be reimbursed, they must send to the LC the official invoice along with proof of payment. In order to keep pool costs at a minimum, the league will schedule all intra-divisional games during practice times. The league will only include inter-divisional crossover and the playoff weekend pool costs in the budget Payment Procedure: Teams/clubs only have the ability to make payments by credit card. Please contact office@waterpolo.ca to receive the credit card authorization form. A deposit in the amount of $CAD500 shall be received by WPC on or before June 30 th of each year. Final payments total registration fee minus the $CAD500 deposit shall be received by WPC on or before November 30 th of each year. Total registration fees are determined by the LC and WPC based on a costrecovery basis, and will be communicated at least thirty (30) days prior to the final payment date. Registration fees may vary from year-to-year, and may be different for the men s and women s leagues. Water Polo Canada mlwp@waterpolo.ca Fax : Page 7

11 Penalties and Fines: Teams not submitting payment on time will be fined $CAD100 per seventy-two (72) hour period after the payment deadline (excluding weekend and holidays). The penalty, in addition to the registration fee, must be paid in full in order for the team/club to be eligible for the upcoming season. A failure to do so will result in expulsion from the league Entry Format: All participating teams/clubs must submit a deposit in the amount of $CAD500 on or before June 30 th of each year. Participating teams/clubs must submit their final payment on or before November 30 th of each year. Teams/clubs must register online using the Water Polo Canada Event Management System at on or before December 1 st of each year. The initial roster, including coaches, chaperones, and athletes, must be registered online as of January 1 st of each year using the Water Polo Canada Event Management System at User Guides can be found online at Teams/clubs must have a minimum of eleven (11) and a maximum of twenty-five (25) athletes, one (1) Head Coach, unlimited Assistant Coaches, and a Team Chaperone/Same Sex Staff Member League Composition and Expansion: Applications for the upcoming MLWP season must be received by June 1 st of each year. The MLWP Expansion Application Form can be found on page 23 of the appendix. The incumbent MLWP teams do not need to submit an application form each season. 4. General Rules 4.1. Team Eligibility: Each team/club must have a representative on the MLWP BOG A team/club must be a registered member with a registered PSO to be eligible to compete in MLWP All coaches, athletes, referees, and paid minor officials must be registered Competitive and Active members in good standing with their club, PSO, and WPC, and must appear on the Water Polo Canada Membership Registration System at User Guides can be found online at Chaperones, volunteers, and non-paid minor officials must be, at the least, registered Volunteer and Active members in good standing with their club, PSO, and WPC, and must appear on the Water Polo Canada Membership Registration System at User Guides can be found online at Water Polo Canada mlwp@waterpolo.ca Fax : Page 8

12 4.1.3 Teams/clubs must be Canadian based. No foreign teams may register For the inter-divisional and playoff weekends: Any team taking minor age players (as per the provincial regulations of the location of the event) must bring, at its own expense, a chaperone (adult at least 25 years of age) other than the head coach, who will be responsible for the team (such an adult must be sanctioned by the provincial association and must be selected from, and registered with, the team's own province); One of the members of the team staff (coach or chaperone) must be of the same gender as the team competing, which can include the Head Coach. Same gender staff is not required for teams playing in their home town with all their players staying at home An athlete who is at least twenty-five (25) years of age may be listed as the team s chaperone and/or same gender staff member. This person will bear all the legal responsibilities of a chaperone All coaches taking part in MLWP (Head or Assistant) must have the following NCCP coaching certification: Competition Introduction The Practice Coach certified; or Level 2 certified No matter the certification level, all coaches must successfully complete the online evaluation of Making Ethical Decisions (MED) at A maximum of fifteen (15) players and three (3) staff are permitted to sit on the team bench each game. Teams/clubs may dress any athlete on their approved twenty-five (25) athlete roster. Teams/clubs may rotate personnel from game to game. Teams/clubs must have a Head Coach with the proper attire present for all games a player/coach is not permitted Each MLWP team/club must submit their $CAD500 deposit by June 30 th of each year. The balance of the registration fees must be paid in full by November 30 th of each year. Please contact office@waterpolo.ca for the credit card authorization form Each MLWP team/club must register their team and roster online using the Water Polo Canada Event Management System at User Guides can be found online at Teams/clubs must be registered online by December 1 st of each year; Initial rosters with a minimum of eleven (11) athletes and no more than twenty-five (25) athletes must be registered online by January 1 st of each year. Water Polo Canada mlwp@waterpolo.ca Fax : Page 9

13 4.1.9 Teams/clubs may add or drop participants (coaches, chaperones, and players) to their roster at any point in time in the season. If a team/club is at its twenty-five (25) athlete capacity, they must drop a player prior to adding another athlete MLWP teams/clubs must manage their roster online using the Water Polo Canada Event Management System at User Guides can be found online at Once an athlete or coach is listed on a roster, they must remain with that team/club for the season in its entirety. An athlete or coach may not be listed on two (2) separate rosters. At the conclusion of the season (after the playoff weekend), coaches and athletes become free agents and may join a different team/club the following season All teams are expected to have proper water polo equipment and attire: Own set of water polo hats (dark and light colors); Staff uniforms (team/club golf shirts or t-shirts); 4.2 Player Eligibility: Athletes must be Canadian Citizens or Residents of Canada and registered Competitive and Active members in good standing with their club, PSO, and WPC, and must appear on the Water Polo Canada Membership Registration System at User Guides can be found online at All participants must adhere to sections 8 (Participant Code of Conduct) and 9 (Doping Control) of this handbook All MLWP athletes must compete in at least 20% of the regular season games to be eligible to play in the playoff weekend. An athlete may only compete for one (1) team/club within a given MLWP season Women s league: No athletes receiving Sport Canada Athlete Assistance (AAP) SR card are eligible to participate in Major League Water Polo; All athletes must be born in 1993 or earlier. Each team may have up to a maximum of four (4) athletes born between 1994 and 1995 on their roster. A team may carry (1) athlete born in 1996 if that athlete is part of the Canadian Select League or receives AAP funds from Sport Canada. A born in 1996 athlete will count against a team s exception list of four (4). Once a team/club removes an exception from its roster that exception cannot be added back to the roster at a later date Men s league: All centralized athletes in Calgary must receive written permission by the National Team staff in order to participate in any MLWP games. Water Polo Canada mlwp@waterpolo.ca Fax : Page 10

14 All athletes must be born in 1992 or earlier. Each team may have up to a maximum of four (4) athletes born between 1993 and 1994 on their roster. Once a team/club removes an exception from its roster that exception cannot be added back to the roster at a later date The LC will post all Team Rosters on the WPC web site, and send to all participating teams via , once verification of registration has been approved. Once a transaction (add/drop of a participant) is approved by the LC and PSO it will then be communicated via to all participating teams. 4.3 Rules of Play: The rules of play for MLWP shall be in accordance with the FINA Rule Book, except where specified elsewhere in this document. 4.4 Duration of the Game: All MLWP games will consist of four (4) periods of seven (7) minutes of stop time with two (2) minute interval breaks. Regular season games may end in a tie after regulation time. During the playoff weekend overtime will consist of two (2) periods of three (3) minutes. There will be a two (2) minute break prior to the overtime periods and during the two (2) overtime periods. If after overtime the game is tied the game will be decided by the FINA shootout procedure. 4.5 Pool Specification and Setup: The playing area for each MLWP contest shall be in accordance with FINA specifications WP 1.4: The distance between the goal lines shall be not less than twenty (20) metres and not more than thirty (30) metres for games played by men. The distance between the goal lines shall be not less than twenty (20) metres and not more than twenty-five (25) metres for games played by women. The width of the field of play shall be not less than ten (10) metres and not more than twenty (20) metres. The boundary of the field of play at each end shall be zero point thirty (0.30) metres behind the goal line Hosting teams must have, at the minimum, the following equipment: Visible scoreboard; Visible shot clock; Markers for the goal lines, 2M, 5M, and centre line; FINA regulation nets with no holes in the netting; At least six (6) FINA regulation water polo balls; For official FINA setup of the Field of Play please see page 22 of the appendix. 4.6 Competition Format: MLWP will consist of an ongoing regular season and playoff weekend Regular Season: The regular season will commence in January and finish in March/April. Water Polo Canada mlwp@waterpolo.ca Fax : Page 11

15 Format: Teams/clubs will be divided into divisions. Divisions will be segregated based on geographical location. Teams/clubs residing in the Greater Toronto Area and the Golden Horseshoe Area will form the Ontario Division. Teams from the Capital Region and the province of Quebec will form the Quebec Division. A team/club will play a three (3) to five (5) game series against each of its divisional opponents season series is dependent upon the number of teams within the division. There will be one (1) interdivisional Crossover weekend where teams from each division will play each other once (1). Hosts for the inter-divisional Crossover weekend will rotate each year by division. The regular season schedule will be drafted by the LC Ranking System: Teams/clubs will be ranked by most points within their division. Teams/clubs will also be ranked within the overall league. Teams/clubs ranked 1 st within their division will automatically be ranked 1 st and 2 nd overall based on total points. Teams/clubs will thereafter be ranked based on total points Point System: Teams/clubs will receive three (3) points for a win, and each team will receive one (1) point in the event of a tie game Tie Breaking Procedures: If there are two (2) or more teams who have the same amount of total points the following procedure for ranking the teams will apply: Most wins overall; Head-to-head record; Most points against divisional opponents; Head-to-head goals for/goals against differential; Goals for/goals against differential against divisional opponents; Overall goals for/goals against differential; Most goals scored head-to-head; Most goals scored in the division; Coin toss; If there are three (3) or more teams tied the following procedure for ranking the teams will apply: Most wins overall; Most points against divisional opponents; Goals for/goals against differential between the tied teams; Water Polo Canada mlwp@waterpolo.ca Fax : Page 12

16 Goals for/goals against differential against divisional opponents; Overall goals for/goals against differential; Most goals scored amongst tied teams; Coin toss; Once a team advances, and there is a two (2) team tie in ranking, section through will apply Playoffs: The playoff weekend will occur in March/April, after the conclusion of the regular season. Both men s and women s playoff weekend will be at the same venue and same weekend. The Host of the playoff weekend will rotate each year by division Qualification Procedure: A total of four (4) men s and four (4) women s teams will qualify for the playoff weekend each season: (1) Winner of the Ontario Division; (2) Winner of the Quebec Division; (3) Wild Card #1; (4) Wild Card # Host of the playoff weekend will receive an automatic entry and will be awarded the winner of their division Ranking Procedure: Teams/club will be ranked one (1) through four (4) based on the regular season standings and ranking procedure. The winners of each division will automatically be ranked 1 st and 2 nd (based on total points), while the two (2) wild card teams will be the 3 rd and 4 th overall teams from the regular season Format: The top ranked team/club will play the 4 th ranked team/club in the first semi-final contest. The 2 nd and 3 rd ranked teams will playoff in the other semi-final contest. The winner of both semi-finals will play in the Championships Game, while the losers play in the Bronze Medal Game. Games will begin Saturday afternoon and finish Sunday morning. The gender specific semi-finals will be played back-to-back, while the Sunday will have the final placement games played from lowest to highest ranked both bronze medal games followed by both championship games. Water Polo Canada mlwp@waterpolo.ca Fax : Page 13

17 4.7 Statistics: MLWP will keep track of individual statistics during the regular season and the playoffs. Individual statistics will not be cumulative, and individual awards specified in section 6 of this Handbook will be based on the regular season. MLWP will maintain the following individual statistics over the course of the regular season: Games played; Even strength, power play, penalty, and game winning goals; Exclusions, penalties, misconducts, and brutalities against; Minutes played by a goaltender; Gaols against by a goaltender; Goals against average by a goaltender; Penalty saves and penalty goals against by a goaltender. MLWP will keep track of team statistics during the regular season and the playoffs. Team statistics will not be cumulative. MLWP will maintain the following team statistics over the course of the regular season: Win-loss-tie record; Total points (win = 3; tie =1); Total goals for and against; Power play and penalty kill efficiency. 4.8 Article Causing Injury: FINA WP Rule 6.4 Prior to taking part in a match, the players must discard all articles likely to cause injury. The following objects are not permitted: Rings; Necklaces; Earrings, (including visible body piercing); Bracelets; Eye-glasses; Long finger or toe nails; Swimming goggles, including prescription goggles- Soft, safety and prescription glasses are permitted; Other objects not listed here will be examined by the RIC before the tournament begins. Water Polo Canada mlwp@waterpolo.ca Fax : Page 14

18 5. Officials 5.1 Definition: Officials are defined as referees and minor officials. Referees are to be selected and appointed by the RIC of MLWP. It is the responsibility of each host club to supply a sufficient amount of minor officials for each hosted game. It will be mandatory to have goal judges for the playoff weekend Referees and paid minor officials must be registered Competitive and Active members in good standing with their club, PSO, and WPC, and must appear on the Water Polo Canada Membership Registration System at User Guides can be found online at Non-paid minor officials must be at least registered as Volunteer and Active members in good standing with their club, PSO, and WPC, and must appear on the Water Polo Canada Membership Registration System at User Guides can be found online at Selection Criteria: Referees for MLWP must have at least a Provincial certification under the WPC Official s Training and Certification Program (OTCP). MLWP will be used by the OWG, WPC, and the RIC to help develop experienced referees, in addition, to increasing the retention rate. The RIC, in conjunction with the LC, will select a list of referees on an annual basis to officiate MLWP games. It is highly recommended that minor officials take the Minor Official s course as provided by the WPC OTCP. 5.3 Appointment Criteria: Referees will be selected for games in the following order: Geographical location; Experience and abilities; Referees do not have to officiate an equal amount of games. 5.4 Reporting of Disciplinary Issues: Any referee who ejects a participant for disrespect, brutality, or a red card must complete a written report at the conclusion of the game. The report must be signed by both referees, and a copy given to the Head Coaches of both teams. The referee who drafted the report must then send a copy to the RIC within twenty-four (24) hours after the conclusion of the game via or fax. 5.5 Post-Game Protocol: Referees must stand on the pool deck as both teams shake hands. Referees have total control of the game, even after the conclusion of the match, and may award red cards, disrespects, and brutalities if needed. Referees must review the scoresheet, and both must sign in order to receive their honorarium. Team players/officials and referees may not discuss the match in any detail for at least a thirty (30) minute cooling off period after each match. Of course, a simple thank you or acknowledgement from team officials/players is acceptable but they may not engage in any form of criticism/advice until the cooling off period has elapsed. A breach of this policy could result in sanctions or penalties toward all participants involved. Water Polo Canada mlwp@waterpolo.ca Fax : Page 15

19 5.6 Payments and Allowances: Referees will be paid $CAD25/game. If a referee must drive between thirty (30) and forty (40) kilometres one way, they will receive a total of $CAD30/game. If a referee must drive between forty-one (41) and fifty (50) kilometres one way, they will receive a total of $CAD35/game. If a referee must drive between fifty-one (51) and sixty (60) kilometres one way, they will receive a total of $CAD40/game. If a referee must drive over sixty-one (61) kilometres one way, they will receive a total of $CAD45/game. Referees will receive $CAD35/day per diem when travelling more than eighty (80) kilometres. In order for a referee to receive their honorarium they must sign the scoresheet. To receive their additional funds for travel they must submit, to the RIC by or fax, a map from Google or Map Quest entering their home address and the pool address. All transportation and accommodation expenditures will be paid by the league. 6. MLWP Team and Individual Awards 6.1 MLWP Trophy and Banner: The league will provide the winning team with a Championship Banner and Trophy. The Banner and Trophy will be bilingual, and will remain permanently with the winning team/club. 6.2 Playoff Most Valuable Player: The playoff MVP will be based on the performance of an individual for the playoff weekend only. The playoff MVP will be selected by MLWP officials onsite. 6.3 Regular Season Most Valuable Player: The regular season MVP will be based on the performance of an individual for the regular season only. Each member of the BOG will be asked to nominate one (1) individual, which can include an athlete for their team/club. 6.4 Regular Season Most Valuable Goalie: The regular season MVG will be based on the performance of goaltender for the regular season only. Each member of the BOG will be asked to nominate one (1) goaltender, which can include an athlete for their team/club. 6.5 Regular Season Best Defensive Player: The regular season BDP will be based on the performance of an individual for the regular season only. Each member of the BOG will be asked to nominate one (1) individual, which can include an athlete for their team/club. 6.6 Regular Season Top Goal Scorer: The TGS award is based on the total accumulated goals amassed during the regular season only. 6.7 Regular Season Most Valuable Coach: The regular season MVC will be based on the performance of a coach during the regular season only. Each member of the BOG will be asked to nominate one (1) coach, which can include a coach for their team/club. Water Polo Canada mlwp@waterpolo.ca Fax : Page 16

20 6.8 Awards Ceremony: At the conclusion of the Championship Game, the playoff Host, will organize a formal awards ceremony. The LC will present the winning team with the Championship Banner and Trophy. The LC, in conjunction with the Host and other prestigious personnel, will announce the winners of the awards listed in sections Each individual winner will be awarded a MLWP plaque. 7. Judiciary 7.1 Discipline: MLWP will not accept any behaviour deemed to be detrimental to the image of the league, WPC, and the sport of water polo. All participants are expected to act in a manner in which reflects a positive image. Discipline issues may arrive before, during, or after a contest as well as any adverse comments made publicly about the league or any of its members. A written report must be filed and submitted to the LC within twenty-four (24) hours after the conclusion of a game/incident for all matters relating to misconduct, brutality, and red cards. The LC may provide a suspension up to a maximum of three (3) games without referring the discipline matter to the Discipline Committee. The LC may elect to defer any incident to the Discipline Committee. The LC must defer any incident to the Discipline Committee if the sanction may be longer than three (3) games Each discipline issue will remain on a participant s personal record for a period of five (5) years, with the exception of physical assault of a referee or MLWP official. The record keeping of such an offence will always remain on a participant s permanent record. Suspensions may carry over from season to season, MLWP playoffs, and other National events (such as National Club Championships and the Canadian Select League) A failure to adhere to the decisions made by the LC or Discipline Committee will result in further suspension, expulsion from league play, and/or a participant being named a member bad standing with WPC. 7.2 Forfeits, Defaults, and Other Rule Violations: MLWP will not accept any behaviour deemed to be detrimental to the image of the league, WPC, and the sport of water polo. All participants are expected to act in a manner in which reflects a positive image. All matters related to forfeits, defaults, and other rules violations as per this Handbook will be brought to the attention of the LC. A violation can occur at any time throughout the season and off-season. The table below is a guideline and framework. If the LC deems that a grave rule violation has occurred, he/she may present the report and situation to the Discipline Committee. Water Polo Canada mlwp@waterpolo.ca Fax : Page 17

21 7.2.1 The following record keeping will last for a period of five (5) years: 1 st Time Offence (Minimum Standard) 2 nd Time Offence (Minimum Standard) 3 rd Time Offence (Minimum Standard) Forfeits and Defaults 5-0 Loss and minus 2 points in the standings 5-0 Loss, minus 2 points in the standings, and a $CAD 500 fine 5-0 L, minus 2 points in the standings, a $CAD 1, 000 fine, and a 1- year ban from MLWP Late payment of entry fees Late remittance of Team Roster Form Section Section Section $CAD 200 fine $CAD 200 fine $CAD 200 fine Team playing with an illegal participant Team: $CAD 200 fine and 5-0 L Participant: additional 1 game suspension Team: $CAD 500 fine and 5-0 L Participant: additional 1 game suspension Team: $CAD 1, 000 fine and 5-0 L Participant: additional 1 game suspension Fighting or other adverse behaviour Team can be fined and/or suspended Individual will be referred to the Discipline Committee Team can be fined and/or suspended Individual will be referred to the Discipline Committee Team can be fined and/or suspended Individual will be referred to the Discipline Committee Unethical behaviour by a referee or league official Person can be suspended or expelled Person can be suspended or expelled Person can be suspended or expelled Suspensions may carry over from season to season, MLWP playoffs, and other National events (such as National Club Championships and the Canadian Select League) Fines must be paid in full by credit card prior to the team/club s next MLWP contest. A failure to adhere to the decisions made by the LC or Discipline Committee may result in further sanctions. 7.3 Protests: All protests must be submitted to the LC within three (3) hours of the conclusion of the game (as written on the scoresheet). Teams/clubs must remit a detailed written protest listing the incident and the exact rule violation, the scoresheet, any other evidence (i.e. video), and a $CAD 100 administration fee (credit card only). Referee decisions cannot be protested. Only clear violations of technical rules and other rules listed in this Handbook may be protested. The protest will be reviewed by the Discipline Committee and a decision rendered within twenty-four (24) hours after having received the protest. If the team/club wins the protest they will be reimbursed the $CAD 100 administration fee. Water Polo Canada mlwp@waterpolo.ca Fax : Page 18

22 7.4 Appeals: A team/club may appeal a discipline and sanction decision made by the LC and/or Discipline Committee. Appeals must be submitted to the WPC Executive Director within twenty-four (24) hours after publicly announcing any discipline or sanction decision. A team/club submitting an appeal must remit to the WPC Executive Director a detailed written report outlining reasons as to why a decision should be reversed, the original written decision, and $CAD 100 administration fee (credit card only). The WPC Executive Director will make the decision whether or not the appeal has merit. If the team/club wins the appeal they will be reimbursed the $CAD 100 administration fee. 8. Participant Code of Conduct 8.1 Definition: A participant is defined as any member of a team/club- athlete, coach, manager, chaperone, female staff member- listed on the Team Roster Form, as well as MLWP referees. 8.2 Athlete Responsibilities: An athlete participating in MLWP shall agree to the following: Must adhere to all provisions and rules outlined in this handbook There will be no possession or use of any illegal substances and/or performance enhancing drugs If under the age of majority in the province of the competition, there will be no possession or use of alcohol If over the age of majority, there will be no supplying of alcohol to minors (as defined by the laws of the province of the competition) Any physical damage occurring, or cost arising from missing items in a hotel room or host venue, is the responsibility of the registered occupant(s) unless some other person(s) are proven responsible. If more than one person is sharing a hotel room, cost will be shared equally, if there is no admission of guilt. The club involved shall be responsible for collecting any such costs Unacceptable behaviour shall include: Committing any act which would be considered an offence under federal, provincial or municipal laws, or the rules of the facility. An offender shall immediately be provisionally suspended and the incident will be reviewed by the Discipline Committee. When this is not possible, the offender shall, at their own expense, be sent home as soon as possible, disqualified from further games within the tournament, and the home provincial association staff person shall be informed by telephone or fax; Gross misbehaviour; Unsportsmanlike conduct; Water Polo Canada mlwp@waterpolo.ca Fax : Page 19

23 A participant reporting for a game in an impaired condition A report must be submitted on each individual incident, major or minor, so that the LC can appropriately decide what further action may be taken Any contravention of the above ( ) will be dealt with by the team/club involved. If the club fails to act responsibly, MLWP has the ability to provisionally suspend and impose further sanctions through the BOG subcommittees. 8.3 Coach Responsibilities: A coach participating in MLWP shall agree to the following: Must adhere to all provisions and rules outlined in this handbook Determine curfew times Determine team meeting times and places Control athletes during practices and games Assume duties of chaperone when chaperone is unavailable Respect for all referees and league officials, and no adverse comments made towards the league, league officials, or any MLWP participants. 8.4 Chaperone Responsibilities: A chaperone participating in MLWP shall agree to the following: Be responsible for the safety and well-being in conjunction with the team coach; be responsible for the behaviour of players during the times they are not under the control of the coaching staff or manager Report to the coach any sickness or injury, and any incidents likely to bring discredit to the team, provincial association or country. Together with the coach, decide upon disciplinary action to be taken Respect for all referees and league officials, and no adverse comments made towards the league, league officials, or any MLWP participants. 8.5 Referee Responsibilities: A referee participating in MLWP shall agree to the following: Be responsible for the safety and well-being in conjunction with the team coach, be responsible for behaviour of players during warm up, game time and post activity on the pool deck Represent yourself to the best of your ability in a neutral manner as a referee of WPC and MLWP Represent yourself to the best of your ability in a professional manner as a representative of WPC and MLWP. Water Polo Canada mlwp@waterpolo.ca Fax : Page 20

24 9. Doping Control 9.1 Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES): CCES is the doping police for all National Sport Organizations (NSO) within Canada. WPC has fully adopted the policies of CCES effective January 1, WPC strongly opposes the use, possession and supply of banned substances and practices in all WPC sanctioned events (MLWP inclusive), either during training or competition in Canada or abroad by Canadian athletes, coaches, medical, para-medical, or other support staff. All information pertaining to the 2009 CCES Canadian Anti-Doping Program can be found at or on the WPC web site ( under the section About WPC-Governance Canadian Anti-Doping Program. 9.2 Eligibility Testing Pool: All MLWP athletes are eligible for testing as per section 6.0 Doping Control Rules of the 2009 Canadian Anti-Doping Program. 9.3 Frequency of Testing: WPC and MLWP will participate in announced and unannounced doping control of athletes in accordance with section 6.0 Doping Control Rules of the 2009 Canadian Anti-Doping Program. Water Polo Canada Fax : Page 21

25 APPENDICES

26 Delegate s Bench Minor Official s Bench Coaches Bench MAJOR LEAGUE WATER POLO Water Polo Canada -Major League Water Polo- Field of Play Water Polo Canada mlwp@waterpolo.ca Fax : Page 22