Bob Corb, NCAA Coordinator of Water Polo Officials COLLABORATION BETWEEN REFEREES (NCAA STYLE) Adapted with permission from the United States Water Polo Referees’ Association Clinic Materials: Jim Cullingham and Steve Rotsart, Authors Presented by: Bob Corb, NCAA Coordinator of Water Polo Officials Counter attack

Collaboration between Referees Old School: Front Court/Back Court “That’s not your call!”

Collaboration between Referees Both referees responsible for entire field of play New School: Attack-Perimeter Referees “Thank you for getting it right!”

Collaboration between Referees Rule 7-1 states: “The referees shall be in absolute control of the game.” Together they are responsible for 100% coverage of the field of play, as well as the team benches, score table, etc. Two referees are a TEAM, not individuals.Their performance should be evaluated as a team, as well as individually. Before the game begins they must talk about how they will share the pool so that the entire field of play is being monitored; Between periods they must address areas of concern and further spell out how they are sharing pool coverage based on what is happening in that particular game; After the game they must address with the Evaluator how they elected to cover the pool to continually improve their partnership.

Collaboration between Referees Start of the period: Each referee watches the team to his or her right (no goal judges), especially the sprinter, the next player, and the goalie (pulling the cage).

Collaboration between Referees 2 1 During the attack: Think in terms of coverage areas that look like triangles. Referees are either watching the attack area or the perimeter area and are interchangeable partners. The referee in the best position to make the necessary call should make the call. Here Referee 1 is the “Attack Referee” and Referee 2 is the “Perimeter Referee” based on where center forward is located.

Collaboration between Referees 2 1 Center forward facing away from “Attack Official”: Here the partners would switch roles and Referee 1 would be watching more of the perimeter, while Referee 2 would be more focused on the attack since the ball and the center forward are facing toward Referee 2.

Collaboration between Referees 2 1 Two centers: Here both referees are sharing both the attack and the perimeter as the offense has created a situation where there are two center forwards. Each referee must be in position to make the necessary call.

Collaboration between Referees 2 1 Pressing: Here, since the center forward is facing Referee 2, he or she becomes the “Attack Referee” and Referee 1 must increase his or her vision to include more of the perimeter (a bigger triangle). Referees should discuss these situations before the game to ensure collaboration.

Collaboration between Referees 2 1 Counter attack: At the start of the counter-attack the former perimeter referee (#2) anticipates the turnover and walking backwards watches the players most likely to move into the attack zone at the end of the counter-attack. Referee 1 becomes the perimeter referee, focusing on those players likely to become the perimeter players at the end of the counter-attack. Both referees must be in position to see who initiates the contact on the transition (contra vs. exclusion vs. no-call).

Collaboration between referees 2 1 Counter attack: As the counter-attack builds and transforms into the new front-court offense, both referees must adjust their coverage areas (triangles) to ensure 100% coverage of the playing area. Constant communication is required.

Collaboration between Referees 2 1 6-5: Depending on what formation the offensive team is running, the referees go back to their triangle coverage areas, with Referee 1 primarily the perimeter referee (5M line), and Referee 2 primarily the attack referee (the 2M and goal line).

Collaboration between Referees Two referees are a TEAM, not individuals. Before the game they must: Talk about how to manage all of the players in the field; Talk about the appropriate application of the rules; Maintain consistency from the start until the end of the game; and Show support for each other and respect for everyone else involved in the game.

Collaboration between Referees Two referees are a TEAM not individuals. Before the game they must: Check the goals, exclusion areas, and pool markings; Ensure that benches are located properly; Confirm that desk personnel are properly trained and equipment works properly; and Identify event management staff.

Collaboration between Referees Goals and pool markings

Signalization of Referees Clear and correct signalization is very important to avoid misunderstanding by players, coaches, spectators; The referee must use a different sound of whistle for ordinary fault, contra fault, exclusion fault and penalty; Both referees must use the same signals; In case of exclusion the referee first must show the number to the excluded player, then to his colleague, and last to the score table; In case of double exclusion the referee must ask for the ball to clarify the situation for the players, coaches, and the score table; Any mistake or misunderstanding must be clarified in collaboration between the two referees.

For questions or comments please contact Bob Corb, NCAA Coordinator of Water Polo Officials: ncaacoordinator@earthlink.net 562/216-3328