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Code of Conduct

Version 0.1. Draft for committee approval. Last updated 18 September 2026.

1. Purpose

AWPR exists to give Australian water polo referees a community, a voice and a pathway. This Code of Conduct sets out how we expect AWPR members, volunteers and committee members to behave, so that AWPR is a safe, respectful and credible organisation that clubs, federations and referees can trust.

2. Who this Code applies to

This Code applies to:

  • all AWPR members (Full, Associate and Provisional or Junior)
  • AWPR committee members, mentors and volunteers
  • anyone taking part in an AWPR event, program or online group

It applies at AWPR events, in AWPR programs such as mentoring, in AWPR online groups and channels, and whenever someone represents or speaks on behalf of AWPR.

3. How this Code fits with Water Polo Australia and Water Polo NSW

AWPR members who are registered with a water polo club or state body remain bound by the Water Polo Australia (WPA) Code of Conduct and the National Integrity Framework as adopted by WPA and Water Polo NSW (WPNSW). This Code adds to those obligations. It does not replace them.

Where this Code and a WPA or WPNSW policy differ, the WPA or WPNSW policy applies.

Complaints about conduct covered by the National Integrity Framework, including abuse, harassment, discrimination, child safeguarding, competition manipulation and drugs, must be made through WPA, WPNSW or Sport Integrity Australia, not through AWPR. AWPR can help a member understand and use those processes.

4. Our values

AWPR's values build on the values of water polo in Australia set out in the WPA Code of Conduct: fun, pursuit of excellence, inclusion, teamwork and respect. For AWPR they mean:

  • Respect. We treat players, coaches, officials, volunteers and each other with courtesy and dignity.
  • Integrity. We are impartial, honest and accountable for our decisions.
  • Support. We look after each other, on and off the pool deck.
  • Development. We keep learning and help others improve.
  • Constructive voice. We raise issues through the right channels and work with the federations as a partner, not an adversary.

5. Expected behaviour for all members

All AWPR members will:

  • treat everyone with courtesy, respect and dignity, and never engage in abuse, bullying, harassment, discrimination or vilification
  • place the safety and wellbeing of children and young people above all other considerations
  • comply with Australian law and with the rules and policies of the competitions they take part in
  • disclose any conflict of interest that relates to their role in water polo or in AWPR
  • respect confidential information, including information shared through AWPR support services
  • raise concerns and disagreements through proper channels rather than in public
  • follow reasonable directions from AWPR committee members and event organisers

6. Expected behaviour when officiating

When refereeing or officiating, AWPR members will:

  • be impartial at all times and declare any conflict of interest before a game
  • be prepared, fit to officiate and professional in appearance and manner
  • apply the rules consistently and explain decisions calmly where appropriate
  • support co-referees and table officials and never criticise them in front of players, coaches or spectators
  • follow competition and federation processes for reporting incidents, and keep reports factual
  • keep improving through study, game reviews and feedback

7. Social media and public comment

AWPR members will not:

  • publicly criticise or identify players, coaches, clubs, officials or referees in relation to a game or decision
  • post or share content that brings AWPR, a club, a federation or the sport into disrepute
  • speak publicly on behalf of AWPR unless authorised by the committee

AWPR's advocacy is carried out by the committee through agreed channels with the federations.

8. Mentors and junior referees

AWPR mentors will:

  • hold a current Working with Children Check where they mentor or work with anyone under 18, and follow the WPA Child Safeguarding Policy
  • keep mentoring in open, observable settings, and never be alone with a junior referee in a private setting
  • communicate with junior referees through group channels or with a parent or guardian included
  • give feedback that is honest, specific and encouraging
  • raise any safeguarding concern straight away with the committee and through the appropriate federation or authority

9. Committee members

AWPR committee members will:

  • act honestly, in good faith and in the best interests of AWPR members
  • declare conflicts of interest and step out of decisions where a conflict exists
  • keep committee matters and member information confidential
  • lead by example in how they engage with members, clubs and the federations

10. Unacceptable conduct

The following are breaches of this Code:

  • abuse, threats, bullying, harassment, discrimination or vilification of any person
  • any conduct that breaches the WPA Code of Conduct or the National Integrity Framework
  • misuse of confidential information, including information shared through AWPR support services
  • bringing AWPR or the sport into disrepute
  • being intoxicated or under the influence of illegal drugs at an AWPR event or while officiating

11. Raising a concern

Concerns about an AWPR member's conduct under this Code can be raised confidentially with the AWPR committee at conduct@awpr.org.au.

The committee will:

  • acknowledge the concern and treat it confidentially
  • give the person concerned a fair chance to respond
  • exclude any committee member with a conflict of interest
  • refer any matter covered by the National Integrity Framework to WPA, WPNSW or Sport Integrity Australia

Outcomes may include no action, an apology, education or mentoring, a warning, or suspension or termination of AWPR membership in line with the AWPR constitution.

For integrity matters in water polo in NSW, you can also contact Water Polo NSW at integrity@waterpolonsw.org.au.

12. Review

The AWPR committee will review this Code at least once a year, and whenever WPA or WPNSW change their integrity policies. Sport Integrity Australia introduced updated National Integrity Framework policies in July 2026, which sports have until 30 April 2027 to adopt. AWPR will review this Code when WPA adopts them.

References