European Aquatics’ 2026 Water Polo Referees School recently welcomed 19 new Basic Certified Referees from nine different countries to the European Aquatics water polo family, following the successful completion of the second phase of the prestigious programme in Istanbul, Türkiye, from 25-28 June 2026.
Organised by the European Aquatics Academy as part of the Water Polo Technical Officials certification programme, the annual Water Polo Referees School provides participants with the opportunity to expand their knowledge and advance their refereeing careers by learning directly from some of the sport’s leading officials.
The expert lecturers consisted of six-time Olympic referee and President of the World Water Polo Referee Association Boris Margeta, European Aquatics Delegates and Referees Committee member Angel Moliner, European Aquatics Academy Professor Nikolaos Stavropoulos and European Aquatics Water Polo Technical Officials Manager Dejan Perisic.
“It was very encouraging to see the level of focus and professionalism shown by all the candidates throughout the course,” said Perisic.
“They all embraced both the educational sessions and practical refereeing assignments with real commitment, and demonstrated an excellent understanding of the rules.
“This programme helps referees build confidence, competence and consistency at international level, and the successful completion of the course by all 19 participants is a very positive result for the future development of European water polo officiating.”
The comprehensive two-part school began on 6 June with an online educational phase on the European Aquatics education platform.
During this section, candidates studied topics such as the Code of Referees behaviour and what referees need from delegates on match days.
The second phase in Istanbul saw the participants combine classroom learning with practical refereeing assignments during the Turkish age-group national championships.
This hands-on experience enabled the officials to apply the rules in real match situations and further develop their ability on the pool deck.
Following the successful completion of the Water Polo Rules examination, all 19 of the referees are now eligible to be nominated by their national federations for inclusion on the European Aquatics Water Polo Referees List for the 2026-2027 season.
“We would also especially like to thank the Türkiye Water Polo Federation, Mete Erol, President, and Sinan Turunc, Director,” added Perisic. “From the start to the finish, the Local Organising Committee, led by Aysem Ozalp and Oge Ozalp provided excellent organisation and hospitality for all the candidates and officials, ensuring the course was a successful and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.”
Andy Rollé for European Aquatics
