A proposal to extend the period in which a new U13 athlete must join Scottish Swimming as a member from 28 days to 180 days for Water Polo has been approved by Scottish Swimming member at their AGM on the 21st of September 2025.
The purpose of the proposal is to introduce and encourage new young members to the sport. The main reasons why it is needed are:
1. More younger athletes will try the sport and join clubs, improving membership growth and retention
2. New young athletes trying the sport offers opportunities to recruit new volunteers
3. Significant differences in skills needed to participate in Water Polo or Artistic Swimming. The extended 180-day period would give an athlete to a taste of the skills required prior to committing, unlike a swimming club entrant where the athletes are generally ‘club ready’.
This is a significant milestone for Scottish Water Polo and it is expected that this will have a positive impact on the number of children taking up the sport.