2026
AUSTRALIAN UNDERWATER HOCKEY
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
We are excited to be hosting this national event in January 2026 at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre.
Countdown to Nationals
0d
0h
0m
0s
Quick Links
Event Dates & Schedule
Key Dates
-
Jan 11th, 2026Setup, Training, Gear Check, Opening Ceremony
-
Jan 12th-14th, 2026Junior Round Robins and Semis
-
Jan 15th, 2026Junior Finals, AUS U19s Selections, Closing Ceremony (Juniors), Opening Ceremony (Seniors), Sundowner TBC, Junior Function
-
Jan 16th-18th, 2026Senior Round Robins
-
Jan 19th, 2026Senior Finals, AUS 24s Selections TBC, Closing Ceremony, Senior Function
Venue Information
Gold Coast Aquatic Centre
We are excited to be hosting this national event in January 2026 at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre. While it was our hope to hold the championships in NSW, the lack of a suitable venue meant we had to look further afield. We’re confident the Gold Coast will provide an excellent location for a high-quality, enjoyable tournament for players, officials, and supporters alike.
- 50m competition pool with 2 courts and training in between
- Dropoff area and $21 a day parking
- Spectator seating for 1,000+ people
- Full changing and shower facilities
- On-site medical support and cafe
Pool Layout
Competition Pool
- Dimensions: 25m x 15m playing area
- Depth: 2.0m
- Pucks: The competition puck will be the Simms Puck. Please bring your own warm-up pucks
- Playing Area: Clearly marked with weighted lines
- Subbing: Tables underwater for subs to stand
Format & Divisions
Competition Format
The 2026 National Championships will follow the latest CMAS rules with modifications as approved by the Australian Underwater Hockey Federation (AUF).
Round Robin Stage
- Teams divided into pools based on previous rankings
- Each team plays all other teams in their pool
- Matches consist of 2 x 10-minute halves
Finals Stage
- Top teams from each pool advance to knockout rounds
- Quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals format
- Finals consist of 2 x 12-minute halves
Competition Divisions
| Division | Age Range | Gender | Year Requirements Min-Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 15 Open | 11-14 | Mixed | 2014-2011 |
| Under 19 Open | 14-18 | Mixed | 2011-2007 |
| Under 19 Womens | 14-18 | Women | 2011-2007 |
| Elite Womens | 16+ | Women | 2009-N/A |
| Elite Open | 16+ | Mixed | 2009-N/A |
| Masters Open | 35+ | Mixed | 1990 |
| Masters Womens | 35+ | Womens | 1990 |
Age & Medal Eligibility
Age Eligibility
Age is determined as of January 1st, 2026 for all divisions.
All Divisions
Players can enter multiple grades if eligible for more than one.
All Players
Players must turn minimum age by the start of the competition.
Proof of Age
There are no longer any age exemptions for nationals, in line with the new UHA Age Determination Policy
Medal Eligibility
State Teams must meet the following criteria:
- Can have up to 2 non-resident players and be eligible for medals
- Follow all uniform and equipment regulations
Non-State Teams (Barbarians/Amazons) must meet the following criteria:
- Aussie players must have gone through State Team trials and not been selected
- No forming teams of players who skipped the process
- Must wear designated uniforms (no random colours/designs)
- Not eligible for medals, but may play finals if division teams agree
Special Cases
Players with exceptional circumstances may apply for an exemption at least 30 days prior via written request to the tournament director. The 2026 exemption form will be released in the Final Info Pack (early Sept).
Exemption Process
Application Guidelines
Please see below the form and updated guidelines for state teams to apply for a non-resident exemption.
- Form: Click here
- Guidelines: View document
Please fill out one form per team exemption (i.e. if 2 players are under the same exemption, they can go in the same form).
Managers or coaches can complete the form.
The due date for all exemptions is 31st October. UHA committee will vote on them in batches as they come through.
Fees & Payments
Financial Assistance
Individual Player fee amounts will be confirmed in the final info pack (early Sept).
Fee Structure
There are no separate team fees this year. Instead, all costs will be bundled into a single player fee, which includes the referee levy. Each state must pay a $500 deposit per team to register. This deposit will be deducted from the total amount payable.
- Total Cost = Number of players × Individual Player Fee (deposit included).
- The player fee covers pool hire, referee costs, equipment, physiotherapy, medals/trophies, streaming, and other tournament expenses.
- Players only pay one fee, even if competing in both divisions (juniors pay the lower fee).
Individual Player Fees (as of 1 Jan 2026):
- Juniors (under 19): $250
- Seniors (19 and over): $300
Payment and Actions
Team managers who registered via the EOI link in the Initial Info Pack will be sent a link to register their teams on the UWHPortal, which will be trialled this year for team and player registration.
Key Dates
| Date | Payment/Action Required |
|---|---|
| Sep 1, 2025 | EOI for teams due + Manager Registration |
| Oct 12, 2025 | $500 Team Deposit due Bather submission due to Referee Director |
| Nov 16, 2025 | Individual player fees due (balance after deposit) & team
lists
due SIA modules due for all athletes and officials |
| Dec 21, 2025 (TBC) | Function payments and numbers due (junior and senior) |
Payment Details
Name: Sydney Nationals
BSB: 082401
Account No: 784289905
Uniforms
From 2026 Nationals onwards, all states must wear the same caps and bathers across all teams. No Australian, international, club, or underwater rugby caps may be worn at nationals. Caps can only be numbered 1–15.
From 2027 onwards, all states must comply with the new AUF Uniform Policy:
- AUF logo added to bathers.
- Compliance with updated official state colours.
In 2026, there is no requirement to follow the AUF Uniform Policy updates, but states may choose to place compliant orders at their discretion.
Important Deadline
All states must send their bather designs to Helen Canavan (UHA Referee Director) by 12th October 2025 for approval and to ensure no clashes occur.
*Minor variations may be allowed if one supplier cannot accommodate all body types across a whole state squad. These exceptions must still be approved by the UHA Referee Director.
Referees
We aim to use as many Non-Playing Referees (NPRs) as possible to minimise the requirement for players to cover in-water duties. Costs for NPRs are included in the player fee.
- NPRs will have accommodation, transport, and food supplied by the UHA Referee for the tournament.
- Ideally, NPRs are available for the full 8 days.
- If senior players can referee the full junior competition, or confident U19s can referee the senior competition as NPRs, their player fee will be waived (selected candidates only).
Referee Nominations
To nominate as a playing referee, please contact Helen Canavan by October 15, 2025.
Playing referees selected for fee waivers will be confirmed in November 2025.
Referee Course
Subject to interest, a Level 1 and/or Level 2 Referee Theory session will be held at the pool on Sunday 11th January (or online earlier if required). States will be asked to express interest at a later date.
Functions
Junior Function
Date: Thursday 15th January
Location: Gameover Helensvale - 88 Siganto Drive, Helensvale
QLD
(19 min drive from pool)
Time: 6–9pm
Cost: Juniors $75, Adults $15
Inclusions: Full venue hire (no public access) with unlimited go-karting, laser tag, climbing and mini-golf. Food includes party pies, sausage rolls, chicken nuggets, assorted wraps, fruit platters and sushi platters. Gluten free and vegetarian options available.
Senior Function
Date: Monday 19th January
Location: The Island Rooftop - 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd,
Surfers Paradise (11 min drive from pool)
Time: 6–11pm
Cost: $85 per person
Inclusions: DJ entertainment and food (substantial canapés & paella stations with dietary options available).
Sundowner
Date: Thursday 15th January
Location: TBC
Reminder
All participants (athletes, coaches, managers, volunteers, officials, referees, parents and spectators) at the National Championships — including at any functions — must abide by the AUF Code of Conduct.
AUF Membership
Each state is responsible for ensuring that all players are current AUF members. Players must hold a valid AUF membership at the time of team list submission (16th November). Only registered AUF members are eligible to participate in the competition.
International Competitors
International competitors attending Nationals (and staying in Australia for less than 60 days) must register for an International AUF Membership. This membership costs $20.00 AUD and is available only to non-Australian citizens.
Click here to register for International AUF Membership
If an international player is staying longer than 60 days and participating in local competitions, they must obtain full AUF membership and join a local club.
⚠️ All international players are required to hold their own insurance. The AUF accepts no responsibility or liability for injuries or claims incurred during the event.
Sports Integrity & Media
Sports Integrity Guidelines
From 2026 onwards, UHA’s Sports Integrity Officer (SIO) is required to attend the national championships. Renae Scothern has been appointed to this role.
The SIO will oversee and educate tournament officials, state managers, coaches, and chaperones to help plan safe sports events for all ages and backgrounds. Renae will hold a face-to-face meeting at Nationals with club/state MPIOs (or at least one representative per state). Attendance for MPIOs is encouraged but not required.
Streaming & Photography
All players must consent to being filmed for the purposes of game streaming on YouTube. Photography in the venue can only be conducted by authorised media officers, inducted by the SIO. Each state may nominate one media officer per competition.
Further information regarding photography and streaming permissions/consent will be shared closer to the event.
Sports Integrity E-learning Modules
All players, coaches, managers, chaperones, and referees must complete the required modules listed below by 16th November 2025, when team lists are submitted. Certificates do not need to be submitted; the AUF will digitally verify completions.
Access the modules via the Sports Integrity Australia portal: Sports Integrity E-learning Portal
| Module | Athletes | Coaches | Managers/Chaperones | Referees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean Sport 101 | U16 only | – | – | – |
| Anti-Doping Fundamentals | Recommended | Y | Y | Y |
| Annual Update* | Recommended | Recommended | Recommended | Y |
| Child Safeguarding in Sport Induction | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Decision Making in Sport | Y | Recommended | Y | Y |
| Competition Manipulation & Sports Betting | Y | Y | Y | – |
| Coaches Course | – | Y | – | – |
| National Integrity Framework | Y | – | – | – |
*Annual Update is the only module that must be completed annually (if required).
Working with Children Checks
From 2026 onwards, state managers must ensure all officials (coaches, managers, chaperones) hold a valid Working With Children Check or state equivalent. In future, all officials will also need a Police Check (at their own expense).
State managers and committees are responsible for verifying their officials’ checks and securely storing this information for production if requested by UHA or the Nationals LOC.
Physiotherapy
Nick Stepkovitch and his team of qualified and/or trainee physiotherapists will be onsite throughout the competition. Physio services will be available to all players, referees, officials, and support staff.
The organisers of the 2026 Australian Underwater Hockey National Championships sincerely thank Nick and his team for their ongoing support and generous contribution to the sport.
Streaming
All games will be streamed live and later uploaded to the UHA YouTube channel.
For more information about streaming and photography guidelines, please refer to the Sports Integrity section.
Contact
-
UHA Tournament Director:
Ben Stepkovitch – td@underwaterhockeyaustralia.org.au -
Nationals Tournament Contact:
Andy Davis – uwhnationals2026@gmail.com
In Partnership With
