Hawke’s Bay Water Polo is proud to present the 2026 Referee Development Pathway — a clear, supportive, and structured guide designed to grow confident, capable, and passionate referees at every level of our sport. As our club continues to expand, so too does the need for knowledgeable officials who uphold the integrity of the game and provide our athletes with the fairest possible environment to compete and succeed.

This pathway has been created to nurture referees from their very first whistle through to advanced and national-level opportunities. It outlines expectations, learning milestones, development opportunities, and the support systems available along the way. Whether a referee is a young athlete learning the basics, a parent stepping in to contribute to our community, or an experienced official ready for further progression, this pathway ensures every individual knows where they are, where they can go, and how we will help them get there.

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