Twenty-three teams from across NSW will converge on the Orange Aquatic Centre for the two-day carnival.

Orange Water Dragons will make a splash in the pool with a team in the mixed division.

On pool deck, Orange's Xanthe Locke will be expanding her game knowledge as the club's nominated referee for the event.

The 13-year-old has been playing for four seasons but this will be her first time with a whistle in hand.

"Sarah (Sokol, Orange Water Dragons coach) said it would be good for me to learn more of the rules and I wanted to improve my knowledge of the sport," Locke said.

The talented youngster, who has previously played for Orange in the under 12s carnival, will be mentored over the two days by senior referees.

She admitted to some nerves but is keen to learn and enjoy the best view of the game.

The 2021 event, which has grown from 18 teams in 2020 to 23 this year, includes boys', girls' and mixed divisions.

Teams are coming from across NSW including Wagga Wagga, Tamworth, Dubbo, Newcastle and Sydney.

The competition includes some modified rules such as teams playing six-a-side (five in the "field" and a goalkeeper) instead of the usual seven, and players not being able to shoot from outside five metres from the goals.

All games will be made up of four five-minute quarters and to accommodate the increase in entries, there will be three pools used this year compared to two in previous events.

All divisions will use a round robin format with the top three teams in each awarded medals at the end of the event.

Orange Water Dragons coach Sarah Sokol said it was a great opportunity for the community to see some of the state's top juniors in action.

"The Under 12s carnival is all about developing skills, participating and having fun," Sokol said.

"I'm really excited to see how the Orange Water Dragons go in the mixed division. Our team will also include three draft players from the Northern Beaches and I look forward to seeing them work with the Orange players."

Games will start at 8.30am on Saturday and Sunday and the final games will be at 4.40pm both days.

Any juniors interested in giving water polo a go can attend the come and try sessions which will be held at the Orange Aquatic Centre this weekend.

Sessions will be run in the main pool on Saturday and Sunday for an hour at 10am and 2pm and in the diving pool at 12pm.

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