European Aquatics opens applications for prestigious 2026 Water Polo Referees School
European Aquatics has officially opened registrations for the 2026 Water Polo Referees School, organised by the European Aquatics Academy as part of its Water Polo Technical Officials certification pathway.
The programme provides referees with a unique opportunity to strengthen their knowledge, gain international insight and take an important step towards officiating at European Aquatics competitions.
The 2026 edition will once again be hosted in Istanbul, Türkiye, bringing together aspiring referees from across Europe to learn from some of the sport’s most experienced officials.
“Education is fundamental to achieving and maintaining the highest standards in water polo officiating,” said European Aquatics President Antonio Silva.
“Through continuous learning, the exchange of expertise and the sharing of best practices, we strengthen consistency, fairness and excellence across our competitions. By investing in education we ensure the future quality and integrity of our sport.”
The course will take place in two stages. The first part will be held online on 6 June 2026, offering an interactive learning environment where participants will attend lectures delivered by leading figures from the European Aquatics water polo community.
The second stage will run from 25-28 June 2026 in Istanbul, organised in close co-operation with the Türkiye Water Polo Federation.
During the on-site sessions, candidates will combine classroom learning with practical experience, including refereeing games, analysing match situations and completing their final assessments.
The programme covers a wide range of topics essential for modern officiating, including the interpretation and application of water polo rules, referee positioning and collaboration, game management, and the psychological and behavioural aspects of officiating.
Participants will also complete a rules examination and be evaluated during practical refereeing sessions.
The panel of expert lecturers will include Andy IM Hoepelman (EA DRC Chairman), Dejan Perisic (EA Manager for Technical Officials WP), Boris Margeta (International WA and EA Referee, WWR President), Angel Moliner (EA DRC Member) and Nikolaos Stavropoulos (Professor | PhD School of Social Sciences University of Aegean).
“This important annual event would not be possible without the strong commitment of the Turkish Water Polo Federation, who have been extremely dynamic in recent years in supporting European Aquatics and the development of water polo,” Silva added.
Referees who successfully complete the course will receive the European Aquatics Basic Referee Certification, enabling them to work towards the Intermediate Certification level during the 2026/2027 season and potentially be appointed to officiate at European Aquatics water polo competitions.
National Federations are invited to nominate candidates who have at least one year of refereeing experience at the highest level of their national championships and who wish to pursue opportunities at the international level.
Applications must be submitted through the European Aquatics Academy digital education platform by 10 April 2026. Click here for more details.
The Water Polo Referees School continues to play a key role in developing the next generation of elite officials, ensuring the sport benefits from highly trained referees capable of supporting the growth and professionalism of water polo across Europe.
For further details about the 2026 European Aquatics Water Polo Referees School, including the timetable, registration process, costs and participation requirements, please see the below information bulletin.
Andy Rollé for European Aquatics
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