Step 1: Membership
The first step for a prospective referee is to select and register for one of the qualifying referee memberships (Referee, Coach/Referee, College/Young Professional Referee, College/Young Professional Coach/Referee, Youth Referee, Youth Coach/Referee). Please note if a Coach/Referee membership is selected, members must have a valid CPR/First Aid certification.
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 the Required Training, Background Screening, and Waivers
A Background Screening, Center for SafeSport Training, and acknowledgment to the Membership Code of Conduct and Concussion and Sudden Cardiac Arrest Waivers are required to serve as a USAWP Referee.
To access your requirements and their status, log into your member page and select your Individual Membership to view the items with further action required. For questions, please contact the Membership Department at membership@usawaterpolo.org.
Background Screening
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 canceled.
The cost for the background screen required by USA Water Polo is $32. Please note, all listed prices are subject to credit card processing fees. A non-refundable processing fee of 3.4% + $0.30 per transaction will be applied at checkout. This fee will be paid by the applicant at the time that he/she goes online to initiate a background screening, through the USAWP Sport80 Database. There may be additional fees for International applicants. Please note the screenings begin processing following the submission of payment, and refunds may not be able to be issued.
Click here to learn more about the background screening process and to initiate a screening
For any questions or inquiries on the status of your screening please contact NCSI, at your preferred method listed below. Screenings typically take 3-8 business days to process.
Phone: 866-996-7412
Email: support@ncsisafe.com
Center for SafeSport Training
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 begins.
Learn More About SafeSport
Acknowledgment to the Membership Code of Conduct and Concussion and Sudden Cardiac Arrest Waivers
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.
What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a congenital or genetic abnormality in the heart’s electrical system that abruptly stops the heartbeat. SCA is more likely to occur during exercise or sports activity, so athletes are at greater risk.
Warning Signs:
In many cases, there are no warning signs of an impending SCA. In others, warning signs include:
An athlete suffering from any of these warning signs should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
For more information regarding SCA, please visit the CIF’s website and the links on that website at https://cifstate.org/sports-medicine/sca/index
Return to Play
Pursuant to the Injury provisions of USA Water Polo Rules Governing Member Conduct ("Rules") if an athlete is suspected of sudden cardiac arrest, the athlete must be removed from play and is not permitted to return to any athletic activity until the athlete's coach must receive a completed and signed Certificate as designated in the Rules.
Signature and acknowledgment to waivers occurs during the membership registration and renewal process within the Membership Form. The waivers can be viewed and signed by selecting the ‘Membership’ tab of your profile, selecting the individual membership will open the form. The section titled, USA Water Polo Membership Waiver & Code of Conduct and Concussion & Sudden Cardiac Arrest Information Sheet & COVID-19 Return to Play Release and Waiver.
For more information on the Concussion Procedures, Member Code of Conduct, Sudden Cardiac Arrest please review the USAWP Safety Policies linked here.
CPR/First Aid Certifications (Only for Coach/Referee Membership Types)
Members with a Coach/Referee membership type must also possess a valid CPR/First Aid certification. Certificates can be submitted within the ‘Certifications’ tab of your profile. Once submitted, please allow 1-3 business days for a member of our staff to update your submission. For any questions or difficulty submitting a certificate, please contact the Membership Department at membership@usawaterpolo.org.
Step 3: Referee Certification and Training
Rules and Basics Test
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. The current rules and regulations for USA Water Polo are posted on our website, here.
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Once in the Learning Hub, please select ‘Referees’
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After selecting Referees, enroll into the course to take the 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 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.
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
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.
