NATIONAL WATER POLO LEAGUE
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REFS’ MANAGEMENT – END OF YEAR REPORT

The latest initiative of the National Water Polo League has been the introduction of a new referee management system.  This has operated during the 2004 season and the broad feedback has been positive from coaches and referees alike.

This article is an end of year update on what has happened and what happens next.

Objectives.

• Ensure consistent application of FINA rules.
• Offer referees a fair balance of matches through the season.
• Provide professional feedback to help develop referees.
• Pre-competition meetings designed to support both consistency and common understanding.
• Provide an auditable referee appointment system.
• Ensure referee cover at all competitions.

Progress.

During the 2004 season, the NWPL has introduced the referee management system where we have addressed a number of these issues.  We have carried out the following:

• Referee appointments based on all referees offered a common minimum number of matches.
• A pre-event meeting to discuss refereeing style and management issues.
• Referees now work as a 6-man team in attendance at the majority of a weekend, which has developed greater teamwork and consistency.
• An active delegate system has been introduced where there has been a delegate at each of the Division 1 weekends.  The Delegate seeks to support referees’ performance, submits independent reports and marks the referees.  This has of course removed the issue of club bias.
• There has been both a broader spread of games between referees and improved referee attendance.

Emerging Questions.

A number of questions have emerged throughout the year and what follows are the answers of the Management Committee to these frequently asked questions.

• Why was FINA application of rule adopted? – The view of the delegates was that this was most appropriate to developing the domestic game. 
• Why was the system introduced late in the year, namely immediately pre season? – The system and personnel took time to develop following the AGM and information on progress was distributed via the website and letter to all clubs, coaches and referees as soon as it was feasible.
• Why are there technical meetings? – This is an opportunity to cover many administrative issues, ensure consistent application of rule, cover the very important health and safety issues (this is an ASA requirement).  Simply it is also an opportunity for referees and coaches to communicate!
• Why is the delegate system division 1 only? – The intention of the National League is to have the system for Divisions 2 and 3 as well in 2005 after this year’s trial in Division 1.
• What is the basis of delegate marking? – It is based on a matrix of issues which include application of rule, consistency, control, bench management.  It is based on FINA instructions to delegates.  One thing is for sure, it is more objective than the system of club marking!
• Why do all referees have to be at most of the weekend? – This is directly aimed at increasing consistency, referees together observing and talking will make a significant contribution.  This does not place an expectation to be in attendance or watch all matches.

Future.

The League Management Committee believes that the changes have improved the system for referee management.

• We intend to extend the system to Divisions 2 and 3.
• The delegate system for division 1 will continue to be ex-international referees and others deemed competent.
• The delegate system will be developed to divisions 2 and 3, utilising existing international referees.
• A guidebook will be developed to ensure consistency from delegates.
• Delegate marking will be important in referee appointments for subsequent years.

Feedback.

Currently the League is in direct communication with referees to elicit their views on the changes ahead of the next phase, which is the preparation for the 2005 season.  This feedback process is also open to all coaches, captains and team managers in the League.

Should any of those mentioned wish to provide formal feedback, there is a questionnaire that has been sent to all referees.  For a copy of this please email either Jim Dalley jim.dalley@nwpl.co.uk or Stephen Baker steve.baker@nwpl.co.uk  at their NWPL addresses.

KEEPING IN TOUCH

These news pages are for ALL National League clubs. So if you have an item of interest (new players, tours abroad, injuries or anything else that won’t have lawyers on our backs), please get in touch as soon as possible by emailing chris.ducker@nwpl.co.uk

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