Referee & Event Info

Follow these steps to sanction your league or tournament in the Pacific Zone:

1. Step 1: Fill out the PacZone Event Sanction Form.
2. Step 2: Submit a sanction through USA Water Polo.
3. Step 3: Once both forms are received, the Zone will approve your event and add it to the Zone calendar.

Objective: All games, except 10U, will have two (2) referees assigned. If availability is low and only one (1) referee is assigned, that referee receives 1.5× the rate (effective Feb 27, 2022). 10U games have one referee and are paid at the 5‑min rate.

Compensation (effective June 1, 2025)

Rates are based on quarter duration:

• 5‑minute quarters: $39.00 per game
• 6‑minute quarters: $46.00 per game
• 7‑minute quarters: $55.00 per game

Premiums

• High‑Performance Referees: +$10 per game. Top group based on evaluations by the USAWP Referee Management Team. 3‑year cycle; expected to work events (e.g., ODP Championships, Junior Olympics) and mentor/evaluate others.
• Emeritus Referees: +$5 per game. Former NCAA/International referees; expected to whistle games and mentor/evaluate less‑experienced referees.

1. Register with USA Water Polo as a Referee or Referee/Coach member.
2. Register with USA Water Referee Association (ArbiterSports). Registration is free and required for consideration for USAWP‑sanctioned event assignments. Open ArbiterSports
3. Register for and pass the Basic Certification Tutorial and associated test. Review rule interpretations and instructional materials before testing. Register for the tutorial
4. Contact your Zone Head Referee to complete the required practical component/observation. Pacific Zone Head Referee: Michael Francis – wpref59@gmail.com
5. After your on‑deck observation, you are certified as a Rookie‑Level 1 referee and subject to assignment criteria and limits set by the Zone.
6. To achieve Full Level 1 Certification, consult your Zone Head Referee for practical criteria.

1. Register with USA Water Polo as a Referee or Referee/Coach member.
2. Register for and pass the Basic Certification Tutorial and rules test.
3. Attend and successfully complete a USAWPR Referee School and any required testing (often offered alongside USAWP and ODP events). A schedule of schools is posted on USAWP’s Referee pages.
4. Contact your Zone Head Referee to complete the practical portion of re‑certification and advancement requirements. Complete Level Certification Criteria are posted on usawaterpolo.org.