Officials Development
Water Polo West is committed to creating an environment that encourages, develops, and retains referees across British Columbia.
Water Polo West Referee Development Program
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Connect with a community of officials to learn and share experiences.
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Provide mentorship to build confidence.
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Develop a pool of referees for Regional and Provincial courses.
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Coordinate evaluations to support the certification process.
BC Community Referee Program
We have developed an opportunity for Water Polo West members interested in officiating to learn more about the game's rules and gain experience with our Splashball, 11U, and 13U events.
The following steps must be completed to become a BC Community Referee:
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Complete Safe Sport Training (Free)
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Complete Making Head Way in Sport for Concussions (Free)
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Complete the FINA Water Polo Rules Open Course (Free)
To join the Water Polo West Referee Development Program and Referee Network, please complete this Google Form:
Water Polo Canada Officials Training and Certification Program (OTCP)
Regional Referee
The Regional Referee course is an entry level referee education program into the competition stream. People entering this course should have some prior water polo experience as a player, coach, minor official, or Community Referee. Athletes and coaches are receiving their first exposure to organized and structured competition. The type of competition for the Regional Referee is regional and provincial events. The Regional Referee involves training in the basic rules of water polo, and training as a minor official. The Regional Referee is taught to apply age appropriate FINA rules based on the growth and development principles, and the purpose of competition, of the stage of development of LTAD.
Provincial Referee
The Provincial Referee course is an entry level referee education program into the National competition program. People entering this course must have water polo experience as a player, coach, or Regional Referee. Referees are expected to already possess knowledge of the basic rules of water polo. The Provincial Referee will be officiating a wide variety of experienced athletes and coaches at the Provincial and National levels. The Provincial Referee involves training in the advanced rules of water polo. The Provincial Referee is taught to apply age appropriate FINA rules based on the growth and development principles, and the purpose of competition, of the stage of development of LTAD. Professional Development is encouraged at this level, and referees will be required to maintain their certification every 2 years by remaining active.
National Referee
The National Referee course, also refereed to as the Water Polo Canada Referee School, is the top level training and professional development program Water Polo Canada offers its officials. People entering this course must have water polo experience as a player, coach, and Provincial Referee, or are maintaining their National Referee certification. Referees are expected to already possess knowledge of the advanced and specific rules of water polo. The National Referee will be officiating a wide variety of experienced athletes and coaches at the National level. The National Referee course involves training in the advanced and specific rules of water polo. The National Referee is taught to apply age appropriate FINA rules based on the growth and development principles, and the purpose of competition, of the stage of development of LTAD. Professional development is encouraged at this level, and referees will be required to maintain their certification every 2 years by remaining active. Referees must attend the Water Polo Canada Referee School at least once every 4 years as professional development.
