Olympic Development Program FAQ

 Updated 4-3-2010 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should participate in the Olympic Development Program?

The Olympic Development Program (ODP) is the entry point for USA Water Polo girl’s and boy’s Youth and Junior National Teams.  Participant ages are 11th grade and younger.

 What is the Olympic Development Program?

The Olympic Development Program serves as the primary feeder system for USA Water Polo’s Junior and Youth National Teams. The foundation of the program is a systematic approach to athlete, coach and referee development through a year round training program that focuses on long term development.

 When are tryouts for the Olympic Development Program?

8th Grade U and 9th Grade Tryouts are being conducted from April-August 2010. See the USWP website, ODP, ODP Tryout Registration for more information. 11th Grade U will take place in the first 12 hours of training, starting in the Fall of 2010.

(School year is determined by the year in school an athlete will be in the Fall of 2010.)

 If an athlete was on a training team in Phase 2, they will start Phase 3 of ODP in the Fall of 2010. This applies to all age groups. Phase 2 athletes are not guaranteed to make the Phase 3 team.

 Where are tryouts for the Olympic Development Program?

Tryouts are located all over the country. Please see your zone homepage on the USWP ODP website for more information or contact your ODP Zone Coordinator.

 Are there tryout fees?

Tryout fees are $120 and include 12 hours of training.

 Do athletes have to have a USA Water Polo membership to participate in ODP?

Yes, all ODP athletes must have a current GOLD USA Water Polo membership.

 Can you explain the phases of the Olympic Development Program?

The Olympic Development Program will be implemented in two phases. 

Phase 2: June 1st, 2009 – May 31st, 2010      Phase 3: July 1st, 2010 – May 31st, 2011

  • ODP operates on a 2-year cycle following FINA age categories
    • Phase 2 ends July 1, 2010
    • Phase 3 starts September 2010 – May 2011

 Training Hours

Phase 2 (June 1st, 2009 – May 31st, 2010): ODP Training Teams will train and compete for a total of 60 hours

  • Some teams may not be able to train in the same location for all the

training hours due to geographical challenges

o   Those teams/athletes will train at selected times in their respective geographical areas to complete their training hours

 Why should I participate in the Olympic Development Program?

Olympic Development Program Slogan: ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE

ODP Top 12 PRINCIPLES:

  • Raise college profile
  • Respect for the Game
  • Year round training for long term improvement
  • Nationalize water polo
  • Train and compete with and against the best players in the USA Water Polo
  • Feeder system for the National Teams
  • Systematic Athlete, Coach and Referee instruction
  • Progressive and Evaluative Standards
  • Top quality coaches
  • Opportunity to be seen by National Teams Coaches
  • Opportunity to compete at the ODP Championships
  • Learn the American System of Play