Europe’s leading water polo technical officials will soon be gathering in Tbilisi, as the vibrant Georgian capital hosts the European Aquatics Water Polo Technical Officials Intermediate Certification Course for Referees and Delegates from 11-13 September.

The three-day course is a key part of European Aquatics’ education and certification programme, bringing officials together ahead of the eagerly anticipated 2026/2027 competition season to examine the latest interpretations and applications of water polo rules.

With the new club season fast approaching, the course will provide an important opportunity to address game situations, clarify interpretations and ensure the most consistent application of the rules across all European Aquatics water polo competitions.

Successful completion of the certification process is mandatory for all referees included on the European Aquatics Water Polo Referees List 2026/2027, and Delegates from the Pool of WP Delegates 2026/2027, in order to confirm their status and be eligible for appointments during the forthcoming season.

The in-depth programme will examine the working operations and responsibilities of Delegates, before Referees and Delegates discuss all aspects of the sport’s rules, including impeding situations, aggressive and violent play, centre forward-centre defender play, penalty situations, simulation and misconduct.

Leading experts contributing to the course include EA DRC Chairman Andy IM Hoepelman, EA TWPC Vice-Chairman and EA TWPC Vice-Chairman Tamas Molnar, EA Manager for Technical Officials Water Polo Dejan Perisic, and EA DRC members Angel Moliner and Stavroula Kozompoli.

For those unable to attend in person, the course is also available online through the European Aquatics Academy website – click here for more details.

The certification process will conclude with an online water polo rules test, prepared in collaboration with the World Water Polo Referees Association (WWR), taking place from 14-17 September.

Andy Rollé for European Aquatics