Attached is an updated ODP Handbook. After many concerns and questions regarding the athletes born in even years and then after lengthy discussions with a variety of people we have decided to change in Phase 2 the age cycle from a two year cycle to a three year cycle. Below is what has changed in the handbook.
ODP Born in Years Changes in Phase 2
Starting in Phase 2 June 1, 2009-May 31st, 2010; ODP will change from the FINA two-year age group categories and follow a three-year age category that will place an emphasis on the overall development of an athlete’s career. The three year cycle will enable those athletes who are born in even years to be able to compete for a longer time period and in a more equitable process. Changing the age cycle categories is only the start of the process of completely analyzing how we develop athletes in our country. Below is a brief description of the ODP Phases and the new age categories starting in Phase 2. ODP athletes will still be required to FINA age categories for international competition and USAWP age categories for USAWP events.
ODP Phases
The Olympic Development Program will be implemented in two phases.
Phase 1: January 5th - May 25th, 2009 Phase 2: June 1st, 2009 - May 31st, 2010
· ODP has operated on a 2-year cycle following FINA age categories
o 2008-09 Age Categories (Male and Female)
§ Born in 1991-92 (17/18 & u: Junior)
§ Born in 1993 & u (1516 & u: Youth)
· Phase 1: January 5th-May 25, 2009
o Phase 1 ends May 25th, 2009 at the conclusion of the ODP Championship
§ Phase 1 is the completion of the 2008-09 2 year cycle
ODP Phase 2
· June 1st, 2009-May 31st, 2010
· In Phase 2, ODP will begin to operate on a yearly schedule
· ODP will begin on June 1st and end at the conclusion of the ODP Championships in May of the following year
· ODP will change from the previous FINA 2-year cycle age categories to an even and odd born in year system that follows a 3-year age cycle
· The change will place an emphasis on the overall development of an athlete’s career
· ODP athletes will still be required to follow FINA age categories for international competition and USAWP age categories for USAWP events.
· There will be two age categories in Phase 2; June 1, 2009-May 31st, 2010
o Level 1: Born in 1992-94
o Level 2: Born in 1995 & u
|
ODP Level |
2009-10 |
2010-11 |
2011-12 |
2012-13 |
|
1 |
Born in 1992-94 |
Born in 1993-95 |
Born in 1994-96 |
Born in 1995-97 |
|
2 |
Born in 1995 & U |
Born in 1996 & u |
Born in 1997 & u |
Born in 1998-2000 |
Guy Baker
Director of Olympic Development
USA Water Polo
2124 Main Street, Suite 240
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Phone: 714-500-5456
Mobile: 310-418-2184
Fax: 714-960-2431