#BeInclusiveWaterPolo – Empowering Participation, Building Confidence, Creating Belonging
Starting an inclusive water polo team specifically for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) is a meaningful way to promote physical activity, inclusion, and personal growth. The #BeInclusiveWaterPolo model provides a structured, supportive, and enjoyable entry point into one of the most dynamic aquatic sports. This guide offers step-by-step recommendations to help you create a team from the ground up.
1. Embrace the Inclusive Vision
Inclusive water polo is not just about sport—it’s about breaking down barriers and creating a safe, joyful, and respectful environment for athletes with intellectual disabilities. The core values of the program include:
- Participation over performance
- Empathy over competitiveness
- Equality, dignity, and empowerment
It’s essential to ensure that all athletes feel welcomed, understood, and supported, regardless of their cognitive abilities or skill levels.
2. Build Your Support Team
A successful inclusive team relies on a collaborative support system. Recruit:
- Qualified coaches with experience in inclusive or adaptive physical activity
- Assistant coaches or trainers, including those who can offer in-water support during practices and games
- Volunteers, such as students, therapists, or community members passionate about working with people with intellectual disabilities
- Lifeguards, especially those trained to work in adapted aquatic environments
- Medical support, such as a nurse or therapist familiar with ID if possible
All team members should receive basic training in communication strategies, emotional support, and inclusion practices.
3. Engage Your Community
To build a strong player base, connect with:
- Special education schools
- Disability service providers
- Special Olympics organizations
- Local government, NGOs, and parents’ associations
Create simple, inviting materials to explain your program and emphasize that no prior swimming or sports experience is needed. Use visuals, plain language, and family-friendly approaches.
4. Choose the Right Pool & Equipment
The environment must feel safe, accessible, and non-intimidating:
- Pool depth: Between 1.30–1.60 m to allow athletes to stand if needed
- Water temperature: 26–27°C for comfort and relaxation
- Field size: 15–18 meters long, 10 meters wide
- Goals: Inflatable and smaller than regulation size (approx. 1.40–1.80 m wide)
- Balls: Size 3 (smaller and easier to grip) or size 4 depending on ability
- Caps: Clearly colored and numbered, with goalkeepers wearing red
- Accessibility: Ramps, handrails, and visual markers can make a big difference
Use modified gear like floatation belts or hand paddles for athletes who need extra support or confidence in the water.
5. Plan Meaningful Training Sessions
Sessions should be designed to develop skills progressively, while focusing on fun, safety, and communication. A typical 60-minute session could include:
- Welcome circle and simple instructions
- Water confidence games (floating, passing while standing, team building)
- Skill stations (catching, throwing, goal shooting)
- Short matches or scrimmages with clear support from coaches
- Celebration and cool-down
Use visual instructions, repetition, and encouragement. Music, rhythm, and themed activities can also help athletes stay engaged.
6. Follow Adapted Rules for Inclusive Play
Apply the simplified #BeInclusiveWaterPolo rules:
- Teams of 4 field players + 1 goalkeeper
- Quarters of 10 minutes (or 2×5 min for beginners)
- Continuous time (stop only for substitutions, timeouts, penalties)
- Movement by swimming or walking
- Catching with two hands allowed for less experienced players
- Equal playtime is mandatory – full lineup changes between quarters
- Major fouls lead to 30s exclusion; violent behavior = removal from the game
- Decisions are made by referees, but consultation with coaches is encouraged
Always adapt based on the group’s needs. Flexibility is key.
7. Foster Communication and Social Skills
Inclusive water polo is a platform for athletes with ID to:
- Learn teamwork and cooperation
- Practice turn-taking and listening
- Build friendships and self-confidence
Encourage athletes to cheer for each other, help with setup or cleanup, and reflect on their experiences after games. Include short group discussions or team chants.
8. Host Events and Celebrate Participation
After a few months of training, organize friendly matches, festivals, or demonstration days. These can:
- Showcase athletes’ progress
- Involve family and community
- Encourage other clubs to join the movement
Avoid pressure. Every player should be celebrated for effort, not just performance.
9. Ensure Ongoing Support and Education
Provide continuous education for staff, volunteers, and families:
- Training in inclusive coaching
- Resources on intellectual disability
- Workshops on communication tools, visual supports, and positive behavior strategies
Build a culture of learning and care that keeps improving.
10. Join the #BeInclusiveWaterPolo Network
Use the project’s:
- Handbook with detailed guidance
- Instructional videos for practical application
- Online platform to connect with other inclusive teams in Europe
You are not alone – collaborate, share, and grow the community of inclusive water polo together.
Water polo becomes a tool for transformation when everyone is invited to play.
Start small. Be kind. Keep adapting. And remember – every splash counts.
#BeInclusiveWaterPolo 