Club team competitions: Team eligibility guide

• Running a sanctioned competition when our federations often do not fully enforce compliance with rules regarding team composition places the responsibility squarely on tournament organizers.
• Currently, teams can be formed using: club-based, skills-based, potluck, and hybrid skills-based formats. There is no 'right' way but it is a problem when a tournament is run with a mix. 
• To promote fair competition we, as a club-based only event, will proactively monitor and enforce team composition rules.
• Ultimately, our goal is to provide a level playing field, uphold the integrity of the competition, promote fair play, and create an environment where every participant has an equal opportunity to succeed. 

"All clubs should have the opportunity to build programs and measure the success of those programs in competitions against other clubs built with the same constraints". 

---

To be considered a club team, all players must meet the following criteria:

Residency
All players must demonstrate that their primary residence is within 32 miles (50km) of the club's home pool. 
Regular Practice
All players must be able to demonstrate that they regularly attend practice with their home club.
Regular Competition 
All players must be able to demonstrate that they regularly attend competitions with their home club.
Governing Body Registration
All players must be registered with their home club in their governing body (USOA/CUGA).

---

​Exception Waivers
These rules do not mean that players who do not meet the above criteria are not welcome only that they must obtain a tournament exemption waiver to play in a club team competition. 

Residency
If a player lives more than 50km from any club, they may apply for a tournament exemption waiver to participate.

Roster Fill-outs
If a team is short players, the team may apply for a roster exemption waiver. The tournament organizers may either assign or approve up to 2 non-club players provided they meet the following criteria:

1. Their participation does not limit the participation of their club.
2. Their participation does not significantly increase the skill of the club team.
3. They do not meet any exclusion criteria.

 Exclusions
Players who receive financial support of any kind for participating in underwater hockey, including food or lodging assistance are considered 'semi-professional' and are ineligible to play in Club team competitions.

"A fair competition is one where a player's heart beats for a win, fueled by the belief that the outcome is uncertain and that their own efforts can make the difference​"