This year’s International Canoe Federation Canoe Polo World Championships and The World Games 2025 were among the topics addressed at a key meeting in Spain.
Members of the ICF Canoe Polo Committee gathered in the Spanish city of Toledo on March 2 and 3 where they looked ahead to the two major events that will be taking place in China.
Deqing will hold the ICF Canoe Polo World Championships from October 15 to 20 which will be the first to be staged in Asia in 20 years.
The event will also act as a qualifier for The World Games in Chengdu where Canoe Polo will be on the programme along with Canoe Marathon and Dragon Boat.
Greg Smale, Chair of the ICF Canoe Polo Committee, said 72 teams had so far been confirmed for the World Championships.
“Numbers are not exact yet as wildcards need to be answered by March 31 at the latest,” said Mr Smale.
“It should be remembered that the two-stage qualification limits the number of teams at the World Championships to 76 but as of today there are 72 confirmed teams for Deqing.
“Teams of course want to compete in China but also are aware that if they don't they will likely miss out on the 2026 World Championships in Germany".
Mr Smale also gave an update on progress for Chengdu 2025 which will see Canoe Polo take place at the Dong’an Lake Sports Park Aquatics Centre.
"This year's World Championships is the qualifier for The World Games in 2025 so teams are anxious but having seen the venue now those who qualify will not be disappointed,” said Mr Smale.
“The main pool is a 10-lane, 50-metre swimming pool with a very large grandstand, and just up some stairs there is another 50-metre pool for warming up.
“Eva Lindmark from the ICF Canoe Polo Committee is the ICF Technical Delegate for Canoe Polo and she advises all meetings have to date gone well.”
Mr Smale hailed ICF Canoe Polo Committee member Dion Chen for playing a “critical role” in the preparations for the World Championships in Deqing.
Other items discussed at the meeting were rule changes, coaching and development and the introduction of a commentator’s code of conduct.
Mr Smale led the meeting in Toledo that was attended by committee members João Botelho, Eva Lindmark and Mario Perez Lopez and advisors Pawel Teleman and Charlotte Bakkes.
"So far as rule changes are concerned we were asked to keep these minimal this year and have done so with a very few number of clarifications for organisers,” added Mr Smale.
“We are looking at a system to downgrade non-active referees to ensure the list is accurate and one significant rule change to the shot-clock, but only for implementation in 2027.
“The ICF Board will now consider these alongside a code of conduct for commentators.
“The code of conduct for commentators does not yet exist and is designed to cover conflicts of interest, accuracy, fairness, respect, and confidentiality when necessary.
“An example is to avoid sensationalism that may cause shock or anger.
“We of course want great, exciting commentary but this must not cause offence to others.”
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