Metro Aquatic League Eligibility

The City of Albuquerque's Metro League is an aquatic team, consisting of Swimming, Water Polo, and Dive combined into one entity. It should be noted that playing Water Polo in a manner that makes you ineligible also removes your eligibility from Swimming & Diving, and vice versa; ineligibility applies to the entire Aquatic Team, Water Polo, Swimming, and Diving. For further questions regarding eligibility, contact the League Director. In order to maintain the City of Albuquerque Metro Swim League as a base level, and fun league, eligibility requirements are as follows:

• A participant must be able to cross the length of the pool without stopping or assistance.
• Participants should have a basic understanding of all four strokes (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly) with proficiency in freestyle and backstroke.
• Any individual who has practiced or competed with a United States Swimming or Water Polo Team after April 1st of the upcoming season is not eligible.

• (This includes participation in High School Water Polo. Any middle school aged athlete that competes in the High School Water Polo program will be ineligible).

• Any individual who participates in the Sundance Aquatic League is not eligible. 
• Any swimmer who has met New Mexico Swimming State qualifying times is not eligible.
• Any Water Polo Player who has played or competed for NMWP or any USWP team after April 1st of the upcoming season is not eligible for Metro Water Polo.
• Any participant who has attended their freshman year of high school or above is not eligible. (e.g. if you have started any high school classes before the start of summer Metro League, you are ineligible)
• Any participant who is currently employed by the City of Albuquerque Aquatics Section in any capacity is not eligible.
• Any participant who is 15 years old or older by the Metro League Water Polo Championship Tournament or the City District Swim meet is not eligible. (Specific date varies year to year, but always occurs in late July)
• A swimmer’s age as of June 1st will determine the age group in which that swimmer will compete. (e.g. If you turn 11 on June 2nd you will swim with the 9-10 age group. If you turn 11 on June 1st you will swim with the 11-12 age group.)
• Violations of these rules will result in penalties such as forfeiture of water polo games or disqualification from all Metro Aquatic League Swimming activities. Please take the time to ensure that your eligibility is correct. By doing so, you are ensuring that everyone will have a fair environment in which to compete.
• Please note that after you have signed the Parents Code of Conduct you agree to these eligibility rules and the code of conduct provided.

These criteria were formed over several years, with input from USS-certified coaches, USWP coaches, and several City of Albuquerque League Directors. They are designed to maximize our participation while retaining our goals of being an entry-level program and being fair for everyone. We encourage athletes who are capable of competing at a higher level in USS or USAWP to stay in those programs and continue to grow. Although they may enjoy taking on a leadership role on a Metro League team, it can affect their confidence when they move up to a higher level. It may also lead to developing habits that take time to correct.