Scheduling and Logistics

Why are schedules not out in August when teams begin to practice?

Scheduling begins in January to try to secure pool times for the league. The pools are not always forthcoming with their schedules. Some pools will not schedule events for the fall until the summer. Others require fees to be paid before the request. Every pool requires a variety of paperwork to be completed in addition to Pool Insurance Certificate.

Besides getting pool time, we have to wait and see how many teams we will have before developing a full schedule. Rosters are not due until the last week of August. This allows our schools to recruit players from their respective schools. This will impact whether a be school is one team or two for several of our groups. Typically, a family can expect games to be played between the weekend after Labor Day to the first weekend of November.

Why are the schedules not reflecting homecoming, SAT/ACT, etc.?

The schedule is built with some forgiveness to some homecoming events, when possible. As for ACT/SAT, the league understands the importance of these tests, but also recognizes the state of Colorado offers the SAT free of charge in the spring semester.

Why are the rosters not complete in August?

Rosters are due to the League by the last Friday of August. This allows our schools to recruit players that are not club players to the teams. The point of the league is to grow the sport of water polo. In order to grow the sport of water polo, schools need time for recruiting. Most schools are not back in session until the middle of August. This allows for 2 weeks of recruiting through activity fairs, announcements, etc.

Governance and Transparency

Who makes up the board?

The board is made up of 5 volunteers. The members serve a 4 year term. A member may select to step down at any time. A member may also wish to serve an additional term, if the person wishes to do so.

Are the board members voted or appointed?

The initial board was appointed by those who started the league back in 2018. The current process for new board members will be an announcement that a seat is open. Those interested in becoming a board member are encouraged to submit a brief letter of interest to the board. The board members will discuss the entries and vote.

Does the board represent each school or district?

No, the board is made up of volunteers. The board is only 5 members. The current board has one person from the Springs and 4 others from the Denver Metro.

What is the Board’s role?

The Board’s role is to uphold the rules set forth by the charter. They also determine rule changes submitted by the President, settle any disputes that are brought to their attention, and act as voice for the expansion of water polo for high schools in Colorado.

How were the rules determined?

Rules were determined in the initial set up of the league. These rules govern the league as a whole. Many of the rules were adopted from the Utah League, and then modified to fit the uniqueness of our Colorado League. The rules were then set to the coached and teams for ratification.

Playing rules are set by USA Water Polo, with a few modifications coming from the NCAA Water Polo rulebook.

How are finances managed?

The league charges each team a set fee for the season. In addition, the league searches for grants from other non-profits for support. In 2024, a fundraiser was held. The money is used to pay for pool rentals and ref fees.

The league Treasurer manages the books and discloses the budgets and current finances to the coaches/teams at every meeting.

How is the money earned used by the league?

Monies earned, whether through dues, grants or fundraisers, are spent on the growth and maintenance of league. The President, along with the advisement of the Board, determine how the funds will be spent. The money will pay for insurance, fees, maintenance, etc of the league.

Fundraised money stay with the league. These are to support new teams coming to the league, expansion efforts, advertising, etc.

Money earned through grants are specifically earmarked for various activities, dictated by the grant. There is no other option for using this money outside the parameters of the grant.

Money earned through team dues are used for ref fees and pool rentals.

After the 2024 fundraiser, the league was able to earn $18500. This money will be used for expenses that the team dues do not cover for the next couple of seasons.

How are divisions determined?

Starting in 2025, divisions will be determined by the coaches/teams and board. There will be 2 divisions, one focusing on development and the other for competition.

Is CHSAA being discussed?

It has been discussed, but the reality is that at this time, we do not have enough teams from around the state to petition it as a sport.

Communication

How does the League communicate to the players and families?

The League relies upon the coaches and team representatives to communicate to the families and players. Each coach and team representative will be required to attend the General League meetings. All information should be communicated from the League to families through the team representative and/or coach.

Coming soon, there will be social media accounts for the League. This is to help push out notifications, changes and promotion of the League as a whole.

We do have a website cohswp.org We intend on updating regularly.