Age-group assignments are established by USA Water Polo based on an athlete's age on August 1 of the year in which the Junior Olympic tournament is held. Age groups span two birth years.

Think of August 1 as water polo's "New Year." Athletes move up to the next age group every two years, following the Junior Olympics.

San Clemente Water Polo takes a short break after the competitive year concludes with the Junior Olympics in late July. We kick off the new competitive year at the end of August with team assessments and tryouts.

Competitive Age Group Birthdays for the 2026–27 Season

An athlete's age on August 1, 2026 determines their age group for the 2026–27 competitive season (August 2, 2026 – August 1, 2027).

For the 2026–27 season, athletes with the following birthdays will be assigned to the age-group teams below:

• 10U = Born 8/2/16 – 3/1/19
• 12U = Born 8/2/14 – 8/1/16
• 14U = Born 8/2/12 – 8/1/14
• 16U = Born 8/2/10 – 8/1/12
• 18U = Born 8/2/08 – 8/1/10
• Splashball = 6–8.5 years old during the session dates

See more about Age Eligibility here.