Guide for Incoming Freshmen Joining VP Aquatics
Welcome to Villa Park High School Aquatics! We’re thrilled you’re interested in joining our aquatics program. To ensure a smooth start, follow this guide to prepare for the season. All freshmen must complete their athletic clearance before participating in any practices or competitions. Let’s dive in!
1. Complete Athletic Clearance
Athletic clearance is mandatory to participate in tryouts, practices, or meets. This ensures you’re physically ready and eligible to compete. Follow these steps:
2. Prepare for Tryouts
Tryouts typically occur at the start of the school year. Here’s how to get ready:
Water Polo Tryouts
Swimming Tryouts
3. Understand Team Expectations
Being on the polo or swim team is a commitment. Here’s what to expect:
4. Gear Up
You don’t need fancy equipment, but quality gear helps. Buy from local swim shops or online (e.g., SwimOutlet.com).
Pro Tip: Label everything with your name to avoid mix-ups on deck or in the locker room.
5. Stay Healthy and Fueled
Water polo and Swimming is intense, so prioritize nutrition and recovery:
6. Connect with the Team
Water Polo or Swimming is as much about friendships as it is about competition. Build bonds early:
7. Want to compete at an NCAA School?
If you want to compete in NCAA sports, you need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. Plan to register before starting your freshman year of high school (or year nine of secondary school).
8. Key Dates and Contacts
Joining Villa Park Aquatics is a chance to grow as an athlete, make lifelong friends, and have fun. Completing your athletic clearance is the first step—don’t procrastinate! Show up to tryouts prepared, enthusiastic, and ready to learn. You’ve got this, and we can’t wait to see you in the pool!
Questions? Reach out VP Aquatics Boosters, to the athletic office or head coach. Go Spartans!
1. Complete Athletic Clearance
Athletic clearance is mandatory to participate in tryouts, practices, or meets. This ensures you’re physically ready and eligible to compete. Follow these steps:
- Visit the School’s Athletic Department Website: Find the athletic clearance forms (usually under “Athletics” or Click Here). You can also visit the Athletic Office, is located at the front of campus facing Taft Avenue - this office is a great resource for students to find out about what sports are offered and how to become a part of the team. Students are also able to pick up paper work to transfer into other sports throughout the school year.
- Complete Required Forms:
- Physical Examination: Schedule a sports physical with a licensed physician. The doctor must sign off on your clearance form, confirming you’re healthy for waterpolo or competitive swimming.
- Parental Consent: Have a parent/guardian sign the consent and emergency contact forms.
- Insurance Verification: Provide proof of health insurance (private or school-provided).
- Submit Forms: Turn in all completed forms to the athletic office by the deadline (check with the school for specific dates, typically before tryouts).
- Online Platforms: AthleticClearance.com Create an account, upload documents, and follow instructions.
2. Prepare for Tryouts
Tryouts typically occur at the start of the school year. Here’s how to get ready:
Water Polo Tryouts
- Swim Skills: Water polo requires strong swimming ability. Be able to swim 100 yards freestyle without stopping and tread water for 3-5 minutes.
- Ball Skills: Familiarize yourself with handling a water polo ball (dribbling, passing, shooting). Practice at a local pool if possible.
- Gear Checklist:
- Swimsuit (same as swimming)
- Towel
- Water bottle
- Conditioning: Focus on endurance (swimming/running) and upper body strength (push-ups, planks). Water polo is physically demanding, so core strength helps.
- Learn Rules: Watch water polo games online (e.g., YouTube) to understand positions, fouls, and gameplay.
Swimming Tryouts
- Swim Experience: No prior competitive swimming? No problem! Many teams welcome beginners, but you should be comfortable swimming at least 25 yards (one pool length) without stopping. Practice basic strokes (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly) if possible.
- Gear Checklist:
- Swimsuit (one-piece for girls, jammers/briefs for boys)
- Goggles (bring 2 pairs in case one breaks)
- Swim cap (required for long hair)
- Towel
- Water bottle
- Conditioning: Start swimming laps, running, or doing bodyweight before tryouts to build endurance. Aim for 20-30 minutes of exercise 3-4 times a week.
- Learn the Basics: Watch YouTube videos on stroke techniques or ask a coach for tips at a local pool.
3. Understand Team Expectations
Being on the polo or swim team is a commitment. Here’s what to expect:
- Time Commitment:
- Practices: 1-2 hours, 5 days/week (after school or early morning).
- Meets: League games and weekend tournaments. Some travel required.
- Dryland Training: Strength and conditioning sessions (1-2 times/week).
- Academics First: Maintain good grades to stay eligible (check school’s GPA requirements, often 2.0 or higher).
- Team Culture: Support teammates, show up on time, and respect coaches.
4. Gear Up
You don’t need fancy equipment, but quality gear helps. Buy from local swim shops or online (e.g., SwimOutlet.com).
Pro Tip: Label everything with your name to avoid mix-ups on deck or in the locker room.
5. Stay Healthy and Fueled
Water polo and Swimming is intense, so prioritize nutrition and recovery:
- Eat Smart: Focus on carbs (pasta, rice), protein (chicken, eggs), and veggies. Snack on fruit or granola bars before practice.
- Hydrate: Drink water throughout the day, especially during meets (aim for 60-80 oz daily).
- Sleep: Get 8-9 hours/night to recover and perform your best.
- Injury Prevention: Stretch daily, warm up properly, and tell coaches about any pain immediately.
6. Connect with the Team
Water Polo or Swimming is as much about friendships as it is about competition. Build bonds early:
- Introduce Yourself: At tryouts, say hi to teammates and learn names.
- Team Events: Attend socials, team dinners, or fundraisers to bond with the group.
- Ask Questions: Upperclassmen love helping freshmen. Ask about drills, meets, or how to survive a.m. practices.
7. Want to compete at an NCAA School?
If you want to compete in NCAA sports, you need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. Plan to register before starting your freshman year of high school (or year nine of secondary school).
8. Key Dates and Contacts
- Check the Aquatics Calendar: Note tryout dates, parent meetings, first day of practice and the first game or meet.
- Save Contacts:
- Athletic Director: Mr. Fox tfox@orangeusd.org
- Head Coach: Mr. Carcich jcarcich@orangeusd.org
Joining Villa Park Aquatics is a chance to grow as an athlete, make lifelong friends, and have fun. Completing your athletic clearance is the first step—don’t procrastinate! Show up to tryouts prepared, enthusiastic, and ready to learn. You’ve got this, and we can’t wait to see you in the pool!
Questions? Reach out VP Aquatics Boosters, to the athletic office or head coach. Go Spartans!