Senior Competition
Welcome to the 2026/27 Season
Day: Thursday Nights
Time: 6:30–9:15 pm
Location: Miami Aquatic Centre
Format: 7-a-side water polo (4 × 7-minute running-time quarters)
Finals: 21st March Sunday (during day)
Proposed Competition Dates
- 1 October – Welcome Round
- 8 October
- 15 October
- 22 October
- 29 October
- 5 November
- 12 November
- 19 November
- 26 November
- 3 December
- 10 December – Christmas Round
Break
- 21 January
- 28 January
- 4 February
- 11 February – No Round (Senior Countries)
- 18 February
- 25 February
- 4 March
- 11 March
- 18 March – Semi Finals
- 21 March (Sunday) – Grand Finals
Special Rounds
Welcome Round: Water polo games and BBQ
Christmas Round: Fun Fast Fives games throughout the evening.
Finals: Scheduled for Sunday
Competition Timeline
- Team Nominations Close: Thursday, 3 September 2026 (6:00 pm)
- Draft / Individual EOI Close: Thursday, 10 September 2026 (6:00 pm)
- Team Lists Released: Thursday, 17 September 2026 (6:00 pm)
- Age Exemption Applications Close: Thursday, 17 September 2026 (6:00 pm)
- Draft Draw Released: Monday, 21 September 2026 (6:00 pm)
- Final Draw Released: Thursday, 24 September 2026 (6:00 pm) (please check date)
- Player Registration Deadline: Thursday, 24 September 2026 (please check date)
This ensures all players are registered in time for the Welcome Round on 1 October. Players transferring from another club will require approval from their previous club, their State Association and Gold Coast Water Polo before they are eligible to play.
How to Join
You can nominate a team before the competition commences. Individual players looking for a team can submit an Expression of Interest using the contact form on our website.
Team Nominations
Not yet open.
Individual Nominations
Not yet open.
Competition Divisions
A Grade
A competitive water polo league.
B Grade
A competitive social water polo league where all participants are expected to embrace the Spirit of B Grade.
Women's Division
A women's water polo league.
Teams may now nominate directly into the Women's Division. Several grading rounds may be used to assist new players and teams.
Women are also eligible to play in A Grade or B Grade. Players competing in multiple divisions must fulfil their commitment to their Women's Division team before playing in A Grade or B Grade matches.
Competition Requirements
- Teams playing the first game of the night are responsible for setting up.
- Teams playing the final game are responsible for packing up.
- Each team must provide volunteers for table duty as rostered.
- All players must be registered with Queensland Water Polo through Gold Coast Water Polo (minimum Silver Membership).
- Players aged 16 or 17 wishing to compete in the Open competition must submit an approved Age Exemption Application before the competition commences.
- Each team must supply one referee. Referees will be paid for officiating matches.
Referees
If you are interested in becoming a referee or officiating during the competition, please complete the contact form on our website.
Registration
All participants must register with Gold Coast Water Polo at a minimum Silver Membership before taking the field for insurance with WPQLD. All participants must register for insurance and then pay the competition fee to cover pool entry, team fee, etc.
Competition Handbook
For further information, please refer to the Competition Handbook.
Think. Act. Play.
Think. Act. Play. (T.A.P.) is Water Polo Australia's national campaign promoting the behaviours expected of everyone participating in our sport.
Think before you speak
Our words have the power to inspire and influence. Positive, respectful communication creates an environment where everyone can thrive and succeed.
Act with respect
Demonstrate respect for yourself, your teammates, your opponents, officials, volunteers and the rules of the game. Respect creates an inclusive environment where everyone can enjoy water polo.
Play in the spirit of the game
Our shared passion for water polo comes to life through sportsmanship, fairness, camaraderie, commitment and pride in the way we compete and participate.