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AWPRAustralian Water Polo Referees
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By referees, for referees

An independent, referee-led association. We work alongside the federations, and we are owned by no one but referees.

Players have clubs. Referees never have. AWPR changes that.

We are an independent, referee-led community. We work constructively alongside the federations, but we are owned by no one but referees. Everything we do comes back to five things.

  • CommunityConnection between referees across clubs, regions and generations.
  • DevelopmentReferee-led education, mentoring and standards, built with referees rather than done to them.
  • Support and protectionSomeone in your corner when incidents happen, and protection against poor behaviour.
  • AdvocacyA constructive, collective voice on conditions, respect and how referees are treated.
  • Recruitment and retentionGrow the pool, help clubs find referees, and keep good referees in the game.

National from day one

AWPR is a national association for referees in every state and territory, based in NSW. We are formally recognised by Water Polo NSW, and recognition from Water Polo Australia and each state and territory body is coming. Referees from all states are strongly encouraged to join now.

  • NSWRecognised by Water Polo NSW
  • NationalWater Polo Australia recognition under way
  • ACTRecognition coming soon
  • QLDRecognition coming soon
  • VICRecognition coming soon
  • SARecognition coming soon
  • WARecognition coming soon
  • TASRecognition coming soon
  • NTRecognition coming soon
Pre-Register NowMembership is open to referees in every state and territory.

Run by referees

AWPR is led by active and former referees who know the job from the pool deck.

  • Daniel Bartels

    Founding committee
    AWL & World Aquatics Referee

  • Nick Hodgers

    Founding committee
    AWL & World Aquatics Referee

  • Andrew Carney

    Founding committee
    AWL & World Aquatics Referee

  • Ash Kaesler

    Founding committee
    AWL & World Aquatics Referee

  • Liam Ireland

    Founding committee
    AWL & World Aquatics Referee

A collective, constructive voice

Refereeing only works when officials are respected and supported. AWPR gives referees one organised, credible point of contact with the federations, pushing for better conditions, respect and treatment as a partner, not an adversary.

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Players have clubs behind them. Referees deserve the same: a home, a voice, and each other.
The AWPR founding principle

Good to know

Can't find your answer? Email hello@auswaterpoloreferees.com or use our contact form.

How does AWPR relate to Water Polo NSW and Water Polo Australia?

AWPR is independent and referee-led. We are formally recognised by Water Polo NSW, and recognition from Water Polo Australia is under way. We work with the federations as a constructive partner. We are not a union and not a breakaway body.

Do I need to be an AWPR member to referee?

No. Accreditation and official appointments stay with Water Polo NSW and Water Polo Australia. AWPR membership is optional and adds support, mentoring and community on top.

Ready to make refereeing better, together?

Join a growing community of water polo referees building the club we never had.

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