Founding memberships are now open for NSW referees.Join AWPR

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.

Run by referees

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

  • [Name]

    President
    [Refereeing credential]
  • [Name]

    Vice President
    [Refereeing credential]
  • [Name]

    Secretary
    [Refereeing credential]
  • [Name]

    Treasurer
    [Refereeing credential]
Quote from a member referee about what AWPR support meant to them.
[Name], [level] referee, [club]

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.

Join AWPR
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@awpr.org.au.

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.

Join AWPR