The Ironman Water Polo League™ was created in memory of legendary aquatics athlete and coach, Klaus Barth, to promote the ideals of competition and good sportsmanship that Klaus stood for.
Klaus was an Olympic swimmer, an Ironman tri-athlete and the longtime head swim coach at Long Beach Wilson. Subsequent to Klaus’ death, the Klaus Barth Foundation, a non-profit 501 C (3) foundation, was formed to provide funds for cancer research; education and assistance programs; assistance to those with physical disabilities to pursue an active lifestyle through physical fitness and competitive athletics; and promote educational opportunities for children and young adults.
With Klaus’ legacy in mind, the Ironman Water Polo League™ was created to offer young athletes the highest-level water polo experience offered anywhere. This endeavor is accomplished by assuring that each club that participates in the Ironman Water Polo League™ has high level coaching, committed athletes, that will participate in each game, and good experienced referees. We will also raise the level of play by extending the length of the pool and the length of the game times to be consistent with college level and international play. Additionally, emphasis will be placed on the importance of sportsmanship among competing teams, respecting officials, valuing the physical and mental aspects of the sport of water polo and maintaining the perspective that the outcome of a specific game is secondary to manner by which it is played.
The motivation behind the creation of the Ironman Water Polo League™ comes from my twelve year professional career in Europe, having the opportunity to play in many countries, which included, Italy, France, Greece and Croatia. Through my international playing experience and as a member of the USA National Team, I have been taught by the best American and International coaches in the world and feel the need to share that acquired knowledge with young athletes. What better way to do that than organize a competition that provides long term growth opportunity through a series of high level games. Thanks to my experience as the assistant National Team Olympic coach and the success of our team in the Beijing Olympics, I know firsthand that by bringing the best coaches and teams together we can create the most competitive environment for developing athletes. Since I started playing water polo as an age group athlete, I have loved the sport and I have dedicated most of my life to it. Water polo has given me some of the best opportunities and memories of my life and if I can help young athletes attain their goals and live their dreams through the sport of water polo, I would be honored. This league owes its name to the memory of my friend and mentor Klaus Barth, whose positive influence on my life as an athlete, a coach and a man has been determining factor in making me the person I am today. Klaus Barth is the ultimate Ironman.
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have had the unique opportunity of traveling to Serbia, Hungary, and Italy with the United States Men’s National Youth or Junior teams over the past ten years. I have observed the beauty and competence in which the European water polo powers coach, train and play the game of water polo. I have also been fortunate to befriend Robert Lynn. Together, we began the Ironman Water Polo League in hopes of bringing a little taste of the European water polo environment to Southern California. It is our hope that by bringing some of the top clubs together in Los Angeles and Orange counties that we will create a highly competitive structure for the growth of athletes, coaches, officials and spectators.
League play began in January 2009.
Championships were held in Newport Harbor HS on March 31st.
16 and Over Championship
Regency 12 Newport 11
Best Player Alex Wherry
Best Defender Matt Russell
Best Center Trey Davis
Best Goal Keeper
16 and Under Championship
Newport 10 CDM 8
All coaches and league participants are strongly encouraged to participate in the annual Klaus Barth Biathlon to be held the last week of August or if they are unable to attend, to make a donation to the Klaus Barth Foundation. The biathlon will consist of an approximate one-half mile swim and three mile run and will be held just prior to the Beach Water Polo tournament held in Alamitos Bay, which when all combined is a festive event in a great setting. The entry fee for the event will be approximately $50 and all proceeds from the Klaus Barth Biathlon will benefit the Klaus Barth Foundation.
Chosen for their creativity and professionalism in providing the highest quality and innovative water polo gear, MONSTERPOLO™ was asked to help promote and work with the growth and development of the league.
In a few short years their brand has achieved the top status in the water polo community worldwide.
In keeping with the IRONMAN™ Water Polo League, MONSTERPOLO™ chooses to maintain the highest quality standards in association with the league for years to come by supporting its growth and direction.
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Robert Lynn
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Jason Lynch |
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Los Angeles - Dustin Litvak
Orange County - Jason Lynch
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Los Angeles Organizer - Cari Kuprenas
Orange County Organizer - Doug Stevens |
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It is the duty of all athletes, coaches,
officials and parents to:
• Emphasize the ideals of sportsmanship
• Value the game of water polo
• Show courtesy to visitors
• Respect the judgment of officials
• Recognize that the purpose of athletics is to promote the physical, mental, moral, social, and emotional well being of the individual players.
• Remember that an athletic contest is only a game and not a matter of life or death.
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An annual budget will be adopted each calendar year by the Governing Members.
Each participating club will be assessed an equal amount based on the adopted budget and the assessment will be due and payable by the end of January each year.
The Governing Members will conduct an annual audit at the conclusion of league play in May of each year. |
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There will be two age group divisions:
16 and over
16 and under
A participating athlete must have a current USWP registration and meet the established age guidelines to participate.
An athlete that will turn nineteen may participate so long as they are seniors in high school.
A player may move up in age divisions and may play in both age divisions.
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• It is the responsibility of the host club to secure a pool.
• The two clubs will agree upon a time and location either on a weekday or weekend to play the match. The clubs will try to follow a schedule to the best of their abilities but will work out the time if conflicts occur.
• USWP verified rosters must be submitted to the score’s table fifteen minutes before game time.
• 16 and under game will be played first, followed by the 16 and over match 30 minutes later.
• 16 and under will play:
25 meters, with 8 minute quarters and utilize a 30 second shot clock.
• 16 and up will play:
30 meters, with 8 minute quarters and utilize a 35 second shot clock.
• Two officials will be utilized.
• The game ball must be FINA approved.
• The host club will be responsible for all table workers.
• A game announcer is required.
• Where possible, music will be played at game breaks, such as, time-outs, and in between periods. |
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Two points for a win.
One point for a tie.
Zero for a loss.
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A club may protest the outcome of a contest for any misapplication of a USWP rule which can be corrected. The protest must be filed in writing within five minutes of the completion of the contest. |
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Each host club will provide a representative to report results and stats to the league website.
An All Ironman league team consisting of seven athletes will be selected by the Governing and Associate Members including:
Player of the Year
Best
Offensive Player
Best Defensive Player
Best Goal Keeper.
All results will be publicized on the league website. |
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A perpetual championship trophy will be awarded to the winning team as well as awards for Player of the Year, Best Offensive Player, Best Defensive Player and Best Goal Keeper. |
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