Referees
The sport of water polo is set apart by its unique and distinctive rules, which define the skills of the game and the limits within which they must be performed. The Rules of Water Polo are interdependent and of equal importance. They direct its fundamental spirit and conduct and ensure safety and fairness for all competitors.
Officiating is an integral component of water polo and is essential to the progress and success of the sport. As independent arbiters, referees are ideally positioned to apply the rules to the best of their ability without fear or favour, and to make decisions in the interests of the game and its tenets of equal opportunity and sporting conduct.
Skilled refereeing enhances the standard of the game by complementing and encouraging skilled play, for the enjoyment of participants and spectators alike. Skilled refereeing encourages a safe but competitive environment, which enhances the overall environment of a game and the event.
The sport of water polo is set apart by its unique and distinctive rules, which define the skills of the game and the limits within which they must be performed. The Rules of Water Polo are interdependent and of equal importance. They direct its fundamental spirit and conduct and ensure safety and fairness for all competitors.
Officiating is an integral component of water polo and is essential to the progress and success of the sport. As independent arbiters, referees are ideally positioned to apply the rules to the best of their ability without fear or favour, and to make decisions in the interests of the game and its tenets of equal opportunity and sporting conduct.
Skilled refereeing enhances the standard of the game by complementing and encouraging skilled play, for the enjoyment of participants and spectators alike. Skilled refereeing encourages a safe but competitive environment, which enhances the overall environment of a game and the event.
Referee Development Framework
WPNZ has redeveloped the WPNZ Referee Development Framework in 2025. This new framework is a comprehensive guide to becoming, maintaining and developing referees across New Zealand.
To see how a current qualification transfers to the new framework, see details here.
Become a Qualified Referee
To start your journey as a qualified referee, use this guide to find the best level of referee qualification for the games you want to referee.
Local Referee
All WPNZ members can sit the Local Referee course and exam online. These can be accessed via your Friendly Manager account. Follow the steps in this useful guide to sit this course and exam.
C-Grade Referee
All WPNZ members are encouraged to complete their C-Grade Education. The education modules can be accessed via your Friendly Manager account for self-directed learning, or can be completed during an in-person C-Grade course, held throughout the year around New Zealand. To access the exam, you must attend an in-person C-Grade exam. Follow the steps in this useful guide to register for the C-Grade Referee education modules.
B-Grade Referee
All WPNZ C-Grade Referees are encouraged to complete their B-Grade Education when they feel ready to progress. The education modules can be completed during an in-person B-Grade course, held throughout the year around New Zealand.
Qualified Referees and Friendly Manager
Within the new framework, WPNZ is utilising our Friendly Manager platform to track Referee qualifications. Follow the steps in this useful guide to manage your development, education, yearly registration and qualification tracking.
Referee Policies
- Police Vetting Application Form (external website and form)
- Referee Memorandum of Understanding (.pdf document)
- Referee Care Policy (.pdf document)
- Code of Conduct (.pdf document)
- Child Protection Policy (.pdf document)
- Police Vetting Policy (.pdf document)
- Close Relationships Policy (.pdf document)
- Conflicts of Interest Policy (.pdf document)