European Aquatics is delighted to announce the launch of the Intermediate Certification Course for Water Polo Referees and Delegates 2026/27, which will be held in Tbilisi, Georgia, from 11-13 September 2026.
The course forms part of the European Aquatics education and certification programme and is designed to ensure the consistent application of the latest water polo rules across all European Aquatics competitions during the forthcoming 2026/27 season.
Speaking about the highly respected clinic, European Aquatics President Antonio Silva pointed towards the importance of education within the organisation’s long-term vision for water polo.
“Education is at the heart of everything we do, and it plays a huge role in the 2024-2030 European Aquatics Strategic Plan,” Silva said.
“These courses and clinics are more than just training sessions – they’re opportunities to grow, connect with experts and be part of a community dedicated to excellence.
“By investing in education, we ensure that our sport remains fair, innovative and always evolving.”
The Intermediate Certification Course will be delivered by experts from the European Aquatics Technical Water Polo Committee (TWPC), Delegates and Referees Commission (DRC) and Water Polo Department, who will present the latest interpretations and applications of the rules that will be implemented throughout the upcoming season.
Attendance is mandatory for all Technical Delegates who will be members of the European Aquatics Pool of Water Polo Delegates 2026/27 and for all referees nominated to the European Aquatics Water Polo Referees List 2026/27. Participants may attend either onsite in Tbilisi or online.
The programme will begin on 11 September with dedicated sessions for delegates before continuing on 12 and 13 September with joint sessions for both delegates and referees. The detailed lecture programme will be shared nearer the date.
The clinic will conclude with an online water polo rules test, developed in co-operation with the World Water Polo Referee Association (WWR). The testing platform will be open from 14-17 September 2026, and successful completion of the test is required for appointment to European Aquatics competitions during the 2026/27 season.
Registration for both onsite and online attendance will open through the European Aquatics Academy educational platform on 1 August 2026 and remain available until 5 September 2026.
European Aquatics also confirms that the nomination process for the Pool of Water Polo Delegates 2026/27 will open shortly.
Information regarding the nomination process for the Water Polo Referees List 2026/27 will be distributed once entries for the European club competitions have been finalised, as referee quotas are determined by the number of clubs participating from each nation.
Member federations are encouraged to save the dates of 11-13 September 2026 and align their national educational programmes accordingly to ensure all eligible referees and delegates can attend the course either in person or online.
For more details on the Intermediate Certification Course for Water Polo Referees and Delegates 2026/27, you can download the official bulletin via the link below.
Andy Rollé for European Aquatics
