To become an eligible referee for USA Water Polo Events, you must register as a member, complete a few items, and pass the USA Water Polo Referee’s Test. Please see below for more information.
Step 1: Membership
The first step for a prospective referee is to select and register for one of the qualifying referee memberships. Referee members also require additional certifications and training. Click “Join now” on the top right of the screen to begin your referee membership registration process. If you are an existing member and would like to upgrade to a referee membership, click HERE.
Step 2: Complete Required Training
Background, CPR/First Aid Certification, SafeSport, Concussion and Head Injury
To access your requirements and their status, log into your member page and scroll down to the “referee member requirements” on the welcome screen. The links to complete the certifications are provided to the right of each individual requirement.
BACKGROUND
As indicated in the Rules Governing Conduct, in order to complete the registration process as a professional member, individuals must have a current background screening on file with the National Office. Each successful background screening is good for up to a two (2) year period, with a re-check after one year. Any failed screenings, also known as Red Lights, will receive notification that they do not meet the criteria, and have the ability to request a waiver. If a waiver is not requested or the panel does not grant a waiver, the membership will be cancelled.
The cost for the background screen required by USA Water Polo is $30 plus $1.25 service fee. This fee will be paid to NCSI by the applicant at the time that he/she goes online to initiate a background screen. NCSI accepts MasterCard, Visa, and American Express for online transactions. There may be additional fees for International applicants.
Click here to learn more about the background screening process and to initiate a screening
SAFESPORT
USAWP and the U.S. Center for SafeSport offer training regarding how to respond to misconduct in sport and the measures we can all take to protect athletes. Learning about the types of misconduct is an important step to recognize, reduce and respond effectively to inappropriate and potential harmful behavior. As indicated in the Rules Governing Referee Conduct, all referee members must complete SafeSport Training before contact with athletes begin.
CONCUSSION and HEAD INJURY
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI), caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way your brain normally works. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. Even a "ding," "getting your bell rung," or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious.
Concussions can occur in any sport or recreation activity. So, all coaches, parents, and athletes need to learn concussion signs and symptoms and what to do if a concussion occurs.
USAWP Concussion Information Sheet (Required for members during registration process)
Step 3: Referee Certification and Training
RULES EXAM
Once registered as a referee member, individuals must take and pass the referee rules exam each year. The test is located within your USAWP membership account.
Log into your personal account and click on "view profile"
Scroll down to "Online Exams".
Select "take online exam".
CERTIFICATION
New Referees:
Contact your Zone Head Referee to complete the required practical component and/or observation.
Once you complete your "on deck" observation you are certified as a "Level 1" referee and subject to the assignment criteria and limits set forth by your Zone.
Attend and successfully complete a USAWP Referee School at the earliest opportunity within your zone. "In Person" Schools will be offered in conjunction with USAWP and ODP events throughout the country and are required for certification of ALL Referees every two years.
Basic Certification Course (COMING SOON)
On-Deck Training
Referee School
Returning Referees:
Attend and successfully complete a USAWP Referee School. "In Person" Schools will be offered in conjunction with USAWP and ODP events throughout the country and are required for certification of ALL Referees every two years.
Step 4: Register with ArbiterSports.com
Register with ArbiterSports.com
Arbiter Assignment Platform: Referees will need to be registered with ArbiterSports to receive officiating assignments for USA Water Polo Events. Access to the USAWP Arbiter Site is included in your membership fee. Click here to register: Arbiter Sports