Geographically-Based Club Growth Policy

Rules and referees play a crucial role in ensuring fair competition in sports. While it's true that comprehensive rules and vigilant referees are essential for maintaining fairness within a game, the absence of rules regarding team composition can undermine the entire premise. Team composition rules, such as limitations on the number of players, their skill levels, or even the equipment they use, are equally important in leveling the playing field. Without such rules, teams could potentially stack their lineups with overwhelmingly superior players, rendering the game unfair regardless of the rules enforced during the match. In essence, team composition rules are a fundamental prerequisite for a sport to truly achieve fairness and balance.

In the world of sports, a clear line often separates team and individual pursuits. When it comes to team sports, the composition of a squad typically adheres to standardized rules of competition. Team-based endeavors like underwater hockey thrive on collective synergy, camaraderie, and the shared quest for victory. This policy document emphatically reinforces our steadfast dedication to advancing and championing underwater hockey as a team sport. In alignment with this vision, we need to focus on tackling the problem of "super teams" comprised of exceptionally skilled players that undermine the ability of club teams to compete and hinder the development of a competitive local squad. 

Policy Statement

1. Support for Geographically-Based Clubs: Geographically-based clubs are indispensable for the sustainable growth and development of underwater hockey. They serve as the primary hubs for recruiting, training, and retaining new players, nurturing a sense of community and long-term commitment among participants.
2. Fair Competition Management: Fair games require referees to look beyond the game and manage equitable competition. Allowing stacked teams only perpetuates this issue, discouraging fair competition and limiting growth opportunities. Additionally, permitting elite players to participate in two divisions negatively impacts teams without such advantages.
3. Player Retention and Discouragement of Stacked Teams: Our commitment extends to discouraging the formation and promotion of "stacked teams," as these teams disrupt the competitive landscape, hindering growth. The current system's tendency to allow failing clubs to parasitically recruit from competitive ones negatively impacts the sport. We advocate for player retention in their 'home' clubs to sustain the sport's health. Further; allowing players to compete on different teams within the same competiton destroys fair outcomes in both divisions
4. Supporting Sustainable Growth and Geographic Affiliation: We remain devoted to supporting initiatives that foster the sustainable growth of underwater hockey. We provide resources, coaching, and guidance to geographically-based clubs in line with our mission. We encourage all underwater hockey enthusiasts to align with local clubs, strengthening grassroots involvement and fostering a sense of belonging within a specific geographic region.

Call to Action
We urge all governing bodies, tournament organizers, clubs, and other stakeholders integral to the sport's expansion to embrace this unified stance. Expanding our sport's player base stands as a primary goal for all stakeholders. By discouraging the creation of overpowered teams and supporting equitable competition, we can guarantee the sustained progression of underwater hockey, all the while upholding its fundamental principles of integrity and sportsmanship. Together, we possess the power to establish an inclusive, nurturing environment that welcomes every player and cultivates responsible and impactful sport development, enriching players of all levels and communities across the board.

Conclusion
​Geographically-based clubs are indispensable for the sustainable growth and development of underwater hockey.
​They are the primary hubs for recruiting, training, and retaining new players, nurturing a sense of community and long-term commitment among participants.
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Rumblefish Underwater Hockey Club is committed to advancing underwater hockey as a team sport by supporting local clubs, discouraging stacked teams, and promoting fair competition. By prioritizing sustainability, community engagement, and player development, we ensure the sport's growth and enrichment, benefiting players and communities. Clear team composition rules are as vital as in-game rules to maintain fairness and balance in sports. Without them, stacked teams can render any competition unjust, making such rules a fundamental necessity.