Water Polo NSW Announces New Referee Staffing Structure and Development Initiatives

Water Polo NSW is pleased to unveil a new and enhanced approach to supporting our officials, following months of consultation with the refereeing community. This refined model aims to bolster referee development, streamline administration, and maintain high standards of officiating across all competitions.

Introduction

Our commitment to officiating excellence underpins every decision we make at Water Polo NSW. By reshaping our referee staffing and development initiatives, we plan to cultivate a thriving community of officials who can expertly oversee the sport we love.

Introducing Our Referee Coordinators

• Wojciech Wloch
  Oversees referees in the Super League, Division 1, and AAGPS/CAS competitions, and has been on the World Aquatics list since 2022. Wojciech brings a wealth of experience from both state and national levels, focusing on mentoring and strategic referee development. He explains, “I completed my first referee course when I turned 14, and since then I couldn’t imagine my life without refereeing water polo. My dream is to referee the gold medal game at the Olympics. As a Referee Coordinator, I would like to focus on growing our community of senior referees who will support WPNSW elite events and become future National League referees. It is important for me that WPNSW referees support all our clubs to continue improving and growing water polo in Australia.”
• Hannah Baker
  Responsible for referees in Division 2 and Junior Competitions. Hannah started playing water polo at 12, and that’s when she began developing her refereeing skills. She has travelled throughout Australia, met many of her closest friends while officiating at a high level, and made her National League debut. Now a major contributor to junior referee development, Hannah explains “I’ve grown and evolved within WPNSW and discovered a real passion for supporting new officials. I’m passionate about growing our referee community through juniors as I’ve seen how it can build confidence, expand knowledge, and strengthen the sport overall. We need referees to keep water polo going, and I’m here to guide and empower them so they can become the best officials they can be.”

Dedicated Administrative Support

Providing daily support to our Referee Coordinators is Breanna Baardwijk, WPNSW Member Services, Communications, and Administration Coordinator. Breanna ensures efficient scheduling, communication, and resource allocation for referees across all levels of competition.

Guidance from Water Polo Australia

We are fortunate to have the expertise of David Nissen, Water Polo Australia’s National Officials & Shared Services Coordinator. David offers ongoing guidance for the WPNSW Referee Pathway, aligning our programs with national standards and best practices.

Funding for Referee Development

Macquarie Sports Foundation Grant

Water Polo NSW has secured a $15,000 grant from the Macquarie Sports Foundation to develop Referee Development Workshops. These workshops, led by our Referee Coordinators, will include practical training sessions, rule interpretation, and pathways for long-term growth.

PlayWell Grant

An additional $10,000 has been provided under the PlayWell Grant by Water Polo Australia to further support referee and official development, complementing the initiatives funded by the Macquarie Sports Foundation grant.

Fast-Tracking New Talent

With approximately 105 games each week in the Sydney Metropolitan Competition alone, the need for qualified officials is ever-present. Our Referee Coordinators are working hard to get new referees up to speed, bringing them into the talent pool quickly to help keep matches well-officiated and fair at every level.

A Bright Future for Officiating in NSW

The new staffing structure and development initiatives mark a significant milestone for refereeing in our sport. By investing in education, expanding pathways, and leveraging the knowledge of experienced professionals, Water Polo NSW is devoted to creating a supportive, progressive environment for current and aspiring referees.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to step onto the pool deck as a referee, or you’re interested in joining our officiating community, please reach out to us at referees@waterpolonsw.org.au. We can’t wait to work side by side with you to keep competitions fair and help water polo thrive across New South Wales and beyond!