Dear Water Polo players, officials, and stakeholders,

It’s been a very busy week with state trials, and a great opportunity for me to see the sport in action. Thanks to everyone for a great couple of weekends.

WPWA State Teams

Trials have been conducted and squads named! This is a big achievement, and I would like to thank everyone involved (umpires, coaches, selectors, parents, Bicton facility, and athletes) for your efforts, support and understanding.

The formal squad lists will be posted on the website soon. In the interim, squads will be hearing from their coaches regarding the training sessions prior to final team selections being made on 26 August.

A couple of photos taken at the trials reminded us of scenes from the big screen. Can you place the photo and quote with the name of the film? (Answers next week)

Water Polo WA Charity Quiz Night

We are still interested to hear from you if you would like to volunteer to help organise the quiz night and or be a member of our Profile Fundraising and Events Committee (PFE). Please just send me an email if you are interested. We are also seeking donations for the silent auction so please get in touch if you have anything that you think we could use.

WPWA Photo Polo

Thanks to your feedback, we will proceed with the creation of the photos for this year that “bring our values to life”. I am confident that these will inspire and lead to more entries from our water polo community next year.

Staunch

I am pleased to announce our new partnership with Staunch, a global water polo company owned by Vaughn Thomson. Staunch will be providing apparel and swimwear, and have been a great help in setting up arrangements for state team uniforms and some new items for supporters. Please do check out the website and feel free to contact Vaughn if you have any questions.

Performance Pathway Program Review

The Board of Water Polo WA has met with Simon Jones, the consultant engaged by the Department of Local Government, Sport, and Cultural Industries (DLGSCI), to receive feedback on the review.

The Board will deliberate further before presenting the outcomes and suggested ways forward to the program partners and ultimately the members of WPWA.

It is important to stress again that this review was conducted as part of the original service level agreement between the stakeholders: Water Polo Australia, Western Australian Institute of Sport, Water Polo WA, Conference Centre North and Conference Centre South and all associate conference clubs.

It was done (sensibly) to assess how the program had been delivered and how all the stakeholders had been able to respond to their respective responsibilities.

The program is not being discontinued but will have the opportunity to make improvements based on the recommendations made.

Probably (for me) the most important and immediate action is to provide everyone with some clarity around what the program is, who it’s for and what it’s trying to achieve.

Staff

You would have seen that Clare Barber has resigned.

Many of you would have known Clare and appreciated the dedication and hard work that she put into her role and to our sport. I am sure that you will join me in thanking Clare and wishing her well.

I will be looking to find a replacement as soon as possible and will keep you all informed as to progress.

We will have two new staff joining the team later this month. These resources are partially funded by Water Polo Australia and will have a specific focus on growth and participation for water polo in Western Australia. Look out for their introductions in the next newsletter.

Reflection

Let’s put the com into passion.

Compassion literally means “to suffer together.” Among emotion researchers, it is defined as the feeling that arises when you are confronted with another’s suffering and feel motivated to relieve that suffering.

At last weekend’s trials, I saw a player struggling with severe cramp. One of the coaches detached himself from the trials to spend time looking after the player and encouraging him. Pretty cool actually and great to see.

Kevin Knapp

GM Water Polo WA