Swim England Water Polo Hub
Water Polo Leadership Group agree new qualification structure for referees
March 11, 2021The Swim England Water Polo Leadership Group has agreed a new qualification structure for water polo referees.
The new qualifications are based on each referee’s level of competence at club, regional, national and international competitions.
The structure includes a clear development pathway from club to international level and will replace the previous grades A, B, C, D and P.
This comes from an accumulation of work with key stakeholders such as the British Water Polo League (BWPL).
The next stage of work will focus on moving existing officials to the new structure, which will help to build an accurate database of qualified officials and determine who is active and at which level of competition.
To enable this process to be completed and to recognise existing qualifications and experience, officials are being asked to complete a short survey before the closing date of Sunday 11 April.
Those who no longer referee and wish to step back will be able to update the Leadership Group with their choice.
The Group will then map referees across to the new qualifications in conjunction with Swim England and BWPL Delegate Groups.
If you have any queries, please email the Swim England Water Polo Leadership Group on [email protected]. All queries will be managed by the Group’s Technical Officials Leads, Chris Stephens and Adam Older.
Essential for our sport
Swim England Head of Development, Claire Coleman, said: “We are pleased that the BWPL endorses the principles of the new structure and is committed to supporting its introduction.
“Officials form an integral part of the water polo strategy and Swim England is committed to implementing an affordable qualification system.
“Cost effective courses will be delivered and there will be increased access to those courses, beginning with the launch of the Introductory Referee course Part 1 – Rules and Application.
“This new session is required prior to any refereeing at club level and is set to be delivered nationally at no cost.”
Technical Lead for the Swim England Water Polo Leadership Group, Chris Stephens, said: “I am excited to be involved in this first delivery and to see months of work come to the delivery point.
“Ensuring we have sufficient, qualified water polo referees is essential for our sport.”
The course is followed by a short knowledge check, which completes the qualification of club referee.
The first set of dates are now available to book:
If you are unable to attend the advertised dates, please register your interest here.