SportsEvents Magazine

SEP 2015

SportsEvents is edited for those who plan tournaments or other sports events.

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September 2015 40 www.sportseventsmagazine.com supports coaches at every level. "We've shifted the focus of the game for younger athletes, so we encourage coaches to give them space to make mistakes and grow," said Dodson. In addition, the organization offers mul- tiple workshops and online training. USA Water Polo released an app in late 2014 for member coaches to use as a resource in player development. Dodson said this places information in nutrition, coaching education, psychology, video instruction and more at the fngertips of coaches. All coaches are required to be CPR/ First Aid certifed and comply with the SafeSport initiative, which encourages a healthy, supportive environment for athletes. Both USA Water Polo and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), which developed SafeSport, have a zero-tolerance policy on abuse, bullying, and emotional, physical and sexual misconduct. Building Events When planning events, Dodson said the most important requirement the orga- nization has is the pool, which must be all deep, meaning athletes cannot touch the bottom. Aside from that, USA Water Polo seeks to partner with collegiate clubs or host smaller events in cities where it wants to encourage the growth of the sport, Dodson said. Larger cities are often targeted for major competitions for the social offer- ings that are available. "National team events can be anywhere as long as there is a pool to accommodate them," she said. Working with CVBs and sports com- missions is important for negotiating hotel fees and gaining local support and promotion for events. "I can't think of one event where we haven't worked with a CVB or sports commission," said Dodson. Building Excitement Giving younger players a glimpse of what their future in water polo could be helps ensure they stick with the sport, and that is why USA Water Polo places an importance on events like the Rock-tober 12-and-Under Classic. "It's a really fun pool party that's focused on the fun and play of water polo," Dodson said. Among the benefts of the event are introducing young players to a national championship-like competition atmo- sphere, bonding with teammates and learn- ing how to win on the road, she said. Building The Future USA Water Polo has experienced, for the most part, year over year growth consistently since 2011, according to data from the organization. Dodson said of the sport's future, "I like to say it looks very promising." n SPORT Report t

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