Version control: Original 1990/ Updated 1999/ Updated 2003/ Updated 2015/ Updated 2025/ Updated Oct 2026
Introduction
Teachers must follow these Specific sport and physical activity guidelines together with the Sport and physical activity procedures and Supporting tools and resources to meet duty of care and manage risks effectively at the local level.
All teachers delivering sport and physical activity should be familiar with the Concussion information and protocols included in the Supporting tools and resources and have completed the School Sport Unit - Recognising and responding to concussion MyPL online course.
The guidelines support safe, inclusive and compliant sport delivery through:
- weekly school sport
- one-off events or gala days
- the Representative School Sport Pathway.
They outline compliance measures to address inherent risks, offer advice on modifying traditional rules and equipment to reduce risk, and provide guidance on adapting activities to support the inclusion of all students.
Key
The following key indicates the level of teacher qualification required to deliver a specific activity as part of a school sport program:
Note: This key does not determine the WHS risk level for an activity. It may inform local risk assessment as one component of the broader WHS risk management process, as outlined in the WHS Risk Management procedure.
Modified water poloLow risk (Green)
Modified water polo is played on land and focuses on developing skills related to the game. The game is adapted to promote safe participation, skill development and inclusion by adjusting rules, equipment and playing conditions. Modifications may include, but are not limited to:
- using a smaller, lighter ball, for example, a size 3 ball or a soft foam-style ball
- removing all contact, with no tackling, holding or pushing
- defenders must not attempt to grab the ball from a player’s hands and must use safe, non-contact defending, for example, shadowing or intercepting passes
- adjusting the playing area, participant numbers and other rules to match student ability, increase involvement and safety
- delivering the activity as a non-competitive program that prioritises skill development, confidence, decision-making and full participation.
Teacher qualifications
There is no additional professional learning/accreditation required for modified waterpolo.
Permission
Parent/carer permission is not required for students to participate in modified waterpolo activities that are delivered on school grounds.
See Permission page for more information.
Equipment
Field of play
- Equipment must be checked prior to use and not used if defective.
- Where the goals are attached by hooks or clamps, there should be a clear “do not touch” area.
Personal safety
- No personal safety equipment is required for modified water polo on land.
Safety
The ground surface and immediate surrounds must be clear of obstructions, loose objects and obstacles, including equipment, seating and school bags.
Activities must be suitable for safe participation in the clothing, footwear and personal items students are wearing. Jewellery, ornaments and other items likely to cause injury must be removed or secured before participating.
Activities should be adjusted to support participation for students with minor pre-existing injuries or temporary limitations, ensuring the activity remains safe.
Resources
Water poloModerate risk (Yellow)
Water polo has the following characteristics:
- is played in water using a water polo ball and goals
- is played in a defined pool area with team-based play and a designated goalkeeper
- pool depth is at least 2 m deep.
- typically includes training for, or playing in, structured match conditions, for example, set field of play, team numbers and positions, match timing, officiating and competition rules
- may be played competitively
- as part of an interschool event
- as part of the Representative School Sport Pathway.
Teacher/instructor qualifications and experience
Teacher
There are no mandatory qualifications required for a teacher to deliver water polo. The following course(s) are recommended to strengthen teacher knowledge and confidence, depending on experience and competition level:
Instructor
If a non-teacher is engaged to coach a water polo team or deliver a water polo program, they must have a recognised and current water polo coaching qualification.
Aquatic rescue
At least one staff member providing supervision must hold one of the following aquatic rescue qualifications:
- RLSSA perform water rescue accreditation
- SLSA Bronze Medallion
- surf lifesaving qualifications
- pool lifeguard qualifications
- learn-to-swim qualifications.
Where no school staff member holds an appropriate aquatic rescue qualification, pool lifeguard services must be specifically engaged for the activity.
A Bachelor of Physical Education does not meet this requirement.
Permission
All students must have parent/carer permission to play water polo. The permission note must include the Structured swimming activity mandatory inclusion.
- Structured swimming activity- mandatory inclusion (DOCX 233KB) (updated May 2024)
See Permission page for more information.
Supervision
Supervision ratios must not exceed average class size. Where a non-teacher provides instruction, a teacher must be present for each class-sized group to take overall supervision responsibility and hold duty of care.
Accompanying teachers must have completed the department’s mandatory Emergency Care training. At least one accompanying teacher must hold current department-approved CPR training.
Officiating should be appropriate to the level of play. Where possible, a suitably qualified or experienced referee, scorer and linesperson should officiate competitive matches, particularly for higher level competition.
Equipment
A first aid kit that meets the checklist in the First Aid Plan, as outlined in the department’s First aid procedure, is required.
Field of play
- Goals must be secure, stable and in good repair, with no sharp edges or hazards.
- Balls must be fit for purpose and an appropriate size for the age group and level of play.
- All equipment must be checked before use and removed from use if damaged or defective.
Personal safety
- String-tied water polo caps fitted with protective ear-guards must be worn
- Correctly fitted mouth guards are recommended during both training and competition.
Venues
The pool and surrounding area must be free of obstructions, loose objects and obstacles, with clear space maintained around the pool edge, for example, equipment, seating, school bags. The playing area must be clearly defined and appropriate for the activity, with safe separation from other pool users where relevant.
- Pre-activity venue checklists, available in Supporting tools and resources, may assist staff to inspect the venue before the activity.
Safety
Communication systems must be effective for the venue. In high-noise environments, additional strategies may be required, for example, agreed signals and minimal whistle use.
Students must be adequately prepared for the level of competition they are participating in and be familiar with event rules and relevant safety requirements.
Teams and individual students participating in competitions or programs not aligned to the NSWCHSSA handbooks should follow the corresponding age group format and laws specified by Water Polo NSW.
Students must cut or tape long fingernails.
Students must remove jewellery and other ornaments likely to cause injury.
Sun exposure must be managed in line with the department’s Sun safety guidance. Strategies should be appropriate to the event, venue, weather conditions and duration of exposure, including adjustments to activity timing where required.
Students must not participate or continue to participate if injured. If a teacher or instructor suspects an injury, the student must be removed and must not return until fully healed or medically cleared.
If an injury involves bleeding, follow the department's Infection Control Procedures.
- Appendix B: Procedures for spills of blood and other body substances
- Appendix C: Procedures for contact with blood or body fluids
Where possible, ice should be available for the treatment of injuries.
Resources
Risk assessment support
Representative School Sport Sport Pathway
*Disclaimer: In line with the NSW Government’s full disclaimer regarding links to external sites, links are provided with the intention of increasing the information available to you and do not imply that the department endorses those websites or the people or companies who own them. The NSW Department of Education has no control over linked websites, and is not responsible for the views, opinions, standards or information expressed on them.