European Aquatics is delighted to announce the continuation of its education and certification programme for Water Polo Jury Table Officials ahead of the 2026/27 club season.
The comprehensive course reinforces European Aquatics’ commitment to ensuring the consistent and correct application of the sport’s rules across all water polo competitions.
Part of the European Aquatics Strategic Plan and Education Action Plan, the certification pathway supports officials working at both European club competitions and national team events, while continuing to raise the standard and professionalism of jury table officiating across the continent.
The Intermediate Certification Course will take place on Saturday 15th August 2026 at 10:00 CET via the European Aquatics Digital Education Platform.
The live webinar will also be available on demand throughout the 2026/27 season, allowing officials who are unable to attend the live session to watch the recorded talks, take the Water Polo Rules test and complete the course at a later date.
Registration – which costs €40 – opened on Monday 20th July 2026. Officials can sign up via the European Aquatics Digital Education Platform (click here), where they will also find guidance on how to complete the registration process.
“Last season, we successfully achieved 842 certified Jury table Officials from 28 EA Member Federations and the target for the 2026/27 season is to increase the number of the certified Jury table Officials,” commented Dejan Perisic, European Aquatics Water Polo Technical Officials Manager, who will also be one of the course lecturers. “We also want to increase the number of member Federations included in the Education and Certification process.”
For the highly anticipated 2026/27 season, all Water Polo Jury Table Officials must hold a valid European Aquatics Intermediate Certification, either by renewing their certification from the previous season or completing the process for the first time.
Each club hosting European Aquatics Water Polo competitions, as well as participating national teams, must provide a minimum of six Intermediate Certified Jury Table Officials aged 18 or over for each home game. This includes two secretaries, two timekeepers and two assistant referees/goal judges.
If the required number of Intermediate Certified officials is not provided by the organising club, the match cannot be played and the result will be awarded in favour of the visiting team, in accordance with the Competition Regulations.
European Aquatics’ certification programme continues to follow a structured three-level pathway comprising Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Certification, providing officials with clear opportunities to develop their knowledge and progress through the officiating system.
Officials recognised by their National Federation are automatically considered Basic Certified. They can progress to the Intermediate level by completing European Aquatics’ online course, passing the Water Polo Rules test and receiving recognition from their National Federation.
As in previous seasons, all Water Polo referees who hold Intermediate Certification for 2026/27 will also be recognised as Intermediate Certified Jury Table Officials.
The Advanced Certification level will once again be available ahead of the final stages of the European Aquatics club competitions, with referees holding Advanced Certification also considered the same level for jury table duties.
Officials who successfully complete the certification process will be able to download their official European Aquatics certificate, including their personal details and photo, from the education platform. The certificate must be presented to the Technical Delegate upon arrival at the venue at least one hour before the start of each match.
Officials who obtained Intermediate Certification during the 2025/26 season are reminded that they must complete the 2026/27 Intermediate Certification Course to renew their certification and remain eligible to officiate at European Aquatics Water Polo competitions.
For more information, or to register for the Intermediate Certification Course, visit the European Aquatics Digital Education Platform (click here) or contact your National Federation.
Andy Rollé for European Aquatics
