The National State Challenge is an exciting event featuring some of the best talent from around the country.

Held during late summer, teams will meet to determine a National Champion. Winning teams in each division receive $1000.

Competitive Format

Teams will play a minimum of four games to determine a national champion with seeding based in part on the state's finish during the previous year. Whenever possible the runner-up will not be placed in the bracket with the champion from the same state.

Competition for will be limited to 18 & under boys and girls divisions.

Location

Date of Competition

July 23-25, 2010

Games will begin on Friday and conclude Sunday afternoon.

Costs

Insurance

All participants and clubs must be registered with American Water Polo. NOTE: Individuals must bring proof of membership or be prepared to sign up at the site. It is the coach's responsibility to see that everyone is properly registered and all membership information will be verified by the office.

USWP Members
Teams that are already USWP Members and not registered with AWP may contact the office to determine a discounted registration price for coverage during the event.

Rules

The league follows the NCAA rules book with the following modifications:

• one timeout per half
• six-minute quarters

Hotel Accommodations

Days Hotel-Hotel Circle
PH: 619-297-8800
Rate $125

Clinics

In-water Clinics will be offered during the weekend for athletes and coaches. Those interested should register at the concessions desk. The clinics are free and will be held at the facility.

Topics and times will be posted once the competitive schedule is determined.

Registration Information

Any state wishing to participate must contact the office (610) 277-6787, to have their qualification process approved.

Qualification
Each state may determine their own qualification process using one of the models below. The process for selecting the model will be coordinated by American Water Polo through dialogue with each of the AWP clubs within the state. Typically a conference call is held with all parties to make a final decision, with each club receiving an equal voice.

League Champion Model
A league structure is established that includes regular season games and a process that determines an ultimate champion, either by won/loss record or through a season-ending championship. There is no roster limit in this model.

All-Star Model
Similar to the League Champion Model, a league is coordinated to determine a winner, either by won/loss record or through a eason-ending championship. At the close of the season the top eight teams (as per their finish in the league) select their best field player from their squad to participate on the team. The remaining athletes are determined by a ballot from all of the coaches using the process outlined by American Water Polo. Thirteen field players and two goalies are selected through the ballot process. Additionally, the team is led by the individuals who coached the winning team during the league.

Tryout Model*
If less than four clubs exist within the state, a series of tryouts may be held over a period of months in order to select a team (minimum of three required). All athletes participating in the tryout must be registered with American Water Polo and the tryout participant list submitted to the office immediately following the event so registrations can be processed in a timely manner.

Thirteen field players and two goalies are selected through this process.

*This model may be used for only one year. Following the first year, the state must adopt one of the league selection models to be eligible for future competition.

Deadline

States must contact the office by June 1st for their qualification process to be approved.

Awards

The winning team in each division will receive $1000.

Since many athletes will be playing water polo at a varsity program after graduating high school we want to ensure we do not violate any amateurism rules. NCAA rules prevent the distribution of this money directly to the athletes. Therefore, funds may be used for the general operational expenses of the winning club, but may not be divided among the athletes.

Schedule

Schedule will be released early summer.