Successful European Aquatics’ 2025 Water Polo Referees School held in Istanbul

European Aquatics’ 2025 Water Polo Referees School has been hailed as ‘A big success’, as 39 referees – 18 women and 21 men – from 19 different countries attended the prestigious event in Istanbul, Türkiye, over the weekend.

Organised by the European Aquatics Academy, as part of the Water Polo Technical Officials certification programme, the annual Water Polo Referees School is a fantastic opportunity for participants to expand their knowledge and advance their refereeing careers by learning directly from the sport’s leading officials.

‘It was fantastic to see so many referees developing their skills in Istanbul,’ said European Aquatics’ Technical Officials Manager, Dejan Perisic. ‘It’s been a big success. Every year we are gaining more and more participants, which is very encouraging for the future.

‘The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and the calibre of applicants reflects the programme’s growing reputation as a trusted and valued course.

‘We’re hopeful all the candidates will pass the course and we will be able to further expand the European referees family.

‘All of the referees who pass will have the opportunity – if they are supported by their federation – to be added to the European Aquatics referees list for the 2025/26 season, and have the chance to train to become intermediate certified referees in September, before the start of the new competition season.’

In Istanbul, detailed classroom lectures were delivered by esteemed experts Andy IM Hoepelman, Stavroula Kozompoli and Dejan Perisic, plus six-time Olympic referee and President of the World Waterpolo Referee Association, Boris Margeta.

The panel provided invaluable support and information, helping each candidate take meaningful steps toward becoming top-level international referees.

The comprehensive two-part course began on May 10, 2025, with an engaging online session filled with insightful and interactive presentations from some of the sport’s most respected officials.

Part two took place from May 22 to May 25, 2025, on-site in the vibrant city of Istanbul, Türkiye, where candidates immersed themselves in the practical aspects of refereeing – including officiating at the Türkish national championship finals.

The hands-on experience and real-world learning made for an unforgettable and highly-successful event, leaving participants better equipped for the future.

Using in-depth video analysis, all aspects of the game were thoroughly explored and the most effective ways to apply the rules from the edge of the pool were clearly demonstrated.

‘I would like to thank everyone at the Türkish Water Polo Federation for their incredible support with the school,’ added Perisic. ‘Especially the director, Mr. Sinan Turunc, European Aquatics Technical Water Polo Committee member Ms. Aysem Ozalp and vice president Mr. Oge Ozalp.

‘Since the very first moment they have been together with us, whatever the referees, lecturers or organisers have needed, they and all their colleagues have been ready to help, and we were all made to feel extremely welcome.

‘The support the school has received from everyone at European Aquatics, especially the European Aquatics Academy, has also been invaluable, and I’m sure the results from this weekend’s school will be clearly visible to everybody.

‘We also look forward to continuing our excellent collaboration with the World Waterpolo Referee Association, as they are our trusted partner, and remain dedicated to the on-going education and development of all officials.’ 

Andy Rollé for European Aquatics

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