Ann Arbor
Family Festival Information

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Date
The tournament will be held June 27-29, with games beginning early Friday. Game times are expected to be from 9:00 A. M. to 7:00 P. M. to allow time to enjoy the historic and recreational opportunities found in the Ann Arbor region.

Location
The tournament will be held at Pioneer High School, across the street from the University of Ann Arbor, just 30 minutes from Detroit's airport.

Pioneer High School
601 W. Stadium
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
734-994-2120

Accommodations
Holiday Inn Ann Arbor
3600 Plymouth Road
Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor 48105
(734) 769-9800
www.hiannarbor.com

For a link to this hotel, click here.

Recreational Event
All participants will receive free admission to a recreational event on Saturday night. The nature of the event will be released shortly.

Fastest Shot Contest
All athletes are eligible to participate. Winners will be determined in each age group. To enter the contest, athletes must purchase a ticket for $1 and register for a time to record their shots. Tickets may be purchased at the registration desk.

Each ticket provides the athlete with three shots. Each shot is recorded and the highest one is kept. Athletes may enter as many times as they desire.

The individuals in each age group at the close of the contest with the fastest recorded shots will receive a certificate.

Nearby Attractions
For things to do in Ann Arbor, click here.

Awards
In order to promote athlete self esteem, every participant will receive a participation award for taking part. In addition, athletes on the top three teams in each division will receive medals signifying their achievement.

Competitive Age Brackets
Competition will be offered in the following age groups: (brackets may be revised, dependent upon teams registered)

Each division will be guaranteed three games and will use NCAA rules with one timeout per half (to keep the games running on time). All competition will use the Kap 7 ball (primary sponsor).

Rosters/Eligibility
Teams must turn in a roster prior to the event. Roster size is unlimited and athletes may compete in as many age levels as desired. However, coaches must realize that game times may conflict. Competitor's age is determined by the date of competition. An athlete can compete in a division as long as they are the age of that division during the competition. For example, an athlete turning 19 in August may compete in the 18&Under Division since the competition is in July.

Athlete Registration Information
All participants in the competition will be required to be American Water Polo members. Registration information is available by clicking here, or teams may sign up at the site. No athlete will be permitted to compete without proof of membership and cards will be checked at the door.

USWP Members
We welcome USWP members! Athletes that have already registered as USA Water Polo members may purchase an AWP Limited Membership for just $20 (with proof of USWP membership). This Limited Membership will not provide full benefits or a shirt, but will provide insurance for the event.

All Limited members must register by mail (not online) and should include a copy of their USWP membership card. Registration information can be found by clicking here.

Spectator Costs
American Water Polo is a non profit organization. All proceeds from the event are used to defray costs involved in conducting the activities. Entry fees and ticket prices are therefore a necessary requirement to ensure the event can offer a quality program to all in attendance.

Ticket Prices
Tournament participants are free to attend all educational seminars and recreational activities, including the recreational swim times. Spectators have the option of purchasing one of the following ticket plans:

Deluxe Family Package $45
Includes admission to all games, educational seminars, and movie night for unlimited number of immediate family members not participating in the tournament.

Basic Family Package $20
Includes admission to all games and seminars for unlimited number of immediate family members not participating in the tournament.

Deluxe Individual $20
Provides admission to all games and seminars for the pass holder, including the movie night (not transferable).

Basic Individual $10
Includes admission to all games and seminars for the pass holder (not transferable).

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Game Schedule

Competitive Brackets

Spectators, parents, and siblings of competitors are welcome to swim during the recreational times.

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All Tournament Teams
Teams are selected by the coaches. The athletes receiving the most votes are named to the all-Tournament Team, while athletes receiving votes from more than one coach are named to the Honorable Mention Team.

Entry Procedure and Costs

There are two basic costs involved in entering a team; athlete registration and team entry fee. You can determine the type of athlete registration necessary based on the membership plan desired.

Athlete Registration
All athletes must be registered members of American Water Polo in order to compete. For registration information, click here. You may register by mail or online using your credit card. Every athlete registering as a full member receives a shirt.

If you are already a USWP member, you are eligible for a Limited Membership for a cost of $20. Athletes registering for a Limited Membership must provide a photocopy of their current registration card when they join and must register by mail.

Entry Fee
Each team entered in the Ann Arbor Family Festival must pay a $425 entry fee. Athletes participating on more than one team may request a complimentary guest coupon for the movie night. Entry deadline is June 1st or until the specific age bracket is filled, whichever comes first.

Click here for an entry form you can print and send with your check.

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Seminar Schedule
Each seminar will last approximately 30 minutes and admission is included with your ticket price. In addition, all coaches and athletes are admitted free. All seminars will be held at a classroom adjacent to the pool.

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Rules Orientation
Session will cover the basic rules of the sport to help you understand what you are seeing and to answer the eternal question..."What are all the whistles about???"

Injury Prevention for Water Polo Athletes
Discussion will cover some basic safeguards to reduce the chance for injury specific to water polo.

College Admissions Advice
This session will focus on the myths surrounding college admissions and recruiting, in addition providing tips on what to do as a college recruit.

Drills-R Us
Session will discuss different drills for different game situations. Coaches share favorite drills in discussion format.

Careers in Sports
This session will focus on the careers available to individuals in the sporting industry with particular emphasis in the amateur athletic field including the Olympic movement, college and high school sports, and related organizations.

Making conditioning interesting for your players
Session will include alternatives to boring swim sets while still adequately conditioning your athletes.

Maximizing your team's strengths
Session will discuss tactics and strategies that will help you hide your weaknesses and emphasize your strengths.

Strength training for young athletes
Session will proper techniques for younger athletes to avoid injury.

Seminar Speakers

Tom Tracey
Tom serves as the Director of Officials for the Collegiate Water POlo Association, the largest water polo conference in the country by a factor of ten. He has been involved in the sport for over 10 years, including his days as an athlete at Villanova University.

Dan Sharadin
Dan Sharadin graduated from West Virginia University and has worked in all facets of the sport since that time. He founded American Water Polo in January, 2003, having worked previously as Collegiate Director for United States Water Polo. He currently serves as Commissioner of the Collegiate Water Polo Association, a member conference of the NCAA. Sharadin has coached at all levels, from age group to college.