The California Cup Club League is an organized group of water polo clubs that will provide
each other an opportunity to play in an organized league format. The league is designed to
increase the level of competition by competing against the best programs in California.
Age Groups for the 2023-24 CA Cup League for this year will be based on age as of August 1,
2024.

18 & Under Boys & Girls         12 & Under Boys & Girls
16 & Under Boys & Girls         12 & Under Coed
14 & Under Boys & Girls         10 & Under Coed

Teams must be comprised of mostly athletes from the appropriate age group (i.e. 10 of the 15
players must age 13-14 for 14 & under). Athletes who are older than the age cut off cannot
play down (i.e. 15 year old as of August 1, 2024. cannot play 14 & under)

The Southern League

This year the league will have 3 play dates that consist of a 2 day
weekend event. There are two divisions at each age level. Division 1 will consist of the top
finishing teams in last years Cal Cup league, USCC and Junior Olympics.
Division 2 will consist newer clubs to the league, smaller clubs and “B” teams. Clubs may
only enter “B” teams if their “A” teams are also entered. Top finishing division 2 teams will be
invited to the state final and have a chance to qualify for USCC.
The Southern League final standing will determine the teams that will be invited to the
CaCup State Finals.

CACUP STATE FINALS Each Team entered in the league will need to play in at least 2
weekends to be eligible to play in the Championship if qualified or be invited from out of state. The top nine teams from the south and the top seven from the north who automatically qualify. There is a separate fee for
the state finals tournament. The State final tournament results will be considered by a seeding committee as well as used to determine entry into the 2024 United States Water Polo Club Championships (www.usclubchampionships.com).

Play Dates

League weekend play dates can be found at www.cacup.com. These dates are
subject to change based on hosts and pool availability.

League Costs and Deadlines

$700 for 10 & U coed, $800 for 12,14,16,18 & U boys and girls per weekend play date, for
Southern League. To insure attendance, failure to show or provide adequate notice that you
cannot field a team can result in suspension for the following play date. In addition, if you fail to
show you will receive 0 points for your forfeit.

To enter the California Cup league each club will need to make either an on-line payment or
you can mail your payment to: California Cup League, 12523 Limonite Ave., #440-304, Mira
Loma CA 92880. Teams have the option of playing in two of the three league tournaments. To secure your spot
we need payment for your entries2 weeks prior to the event.

Hosting

The league will pay for pool cost and can apply/negotiate for facility use
reimbursement. This will require an original invoice mailed to the league. Officials will be paid
by the League. All snack bar or vendor proceeds will go to host. Host shall provide all
necessary equipment, staff to operate the table, and report results by text or by email to
admin@CACup.com. Results will be posted on the web site, so please send them ASAP
after games.

League Rules

  1. All athletes, coaches and administrators must be registered with USA Water Polo.
  2. Athletes who have played for a club in a Cal Cup game may not play for another club in Cal Cup league during that same year. There is no longer a 90 day rule. If athletes play in a game the must finish the 2024 season with that club.
  3. Teams who play ineligible player will be sanctioned.
  4. To insure attendance, failure to show or provide adequate notice that you cannot field a team will result in your team being suspended from the next play date. In addition, if you fail to show you will receive 0 points for your forfeit.
  5. A USAWP verified roster must be at the score table prior to game and or upon request from the league or host.
  6. USAWP rules will apply except for ties, which will go to shoot out.
  7. Each club is expected to host games at their facilities with their own staff to manage the desk and report the scores to the league. The league will pay referees, awards, and administration.
  8. Each team will have two 1 minute time-outs.

Equipment: (Kap 7 is the Preferred Ball)

  1. 10 & U Coed will use size 2 balls for competition.
  2. 12 boys & 12 girls use size 3 balls for competition.
  3. 14 & U Boys and 14/16/18 & U Girls will use women’s size 4 balls for competition
  4. 16/18 & U Boys will use men’s size 5 balls for competition.

Game Duration and Course layout

  1. The 10 & U Coed will play 5 min quarters at 25 yards.
  2. The 12 & U Boys and Girls will play 6 min quarters at 25 yards or meters if possible.
  3. The 14/16/18 & U Boys and 14/16/18 & U Girls will play 7 min quarters at 25 meters

Standings and Scores

  1. Each team will earn 4 points for a win, 3 points for a shoot-out win, 2 points for a shootout loss, 1 point for a loss, and 0 points for forfeits.
  2. FINA rules will be used for tiebreakers in league standing.
  3. After each league weekend, scores and standings will be posted on the league website.

Referees/Officials

The purpose of the California Cup League is to elevate water polo play and the referees who are calling our games. It is the league’s desire to afford coaches input to our assignor regarding referee performance and suggestions for the finals. Please email us any observation,
recommendation and or feedback regarding referees so we can improve the quality of the
league.