“Without Training You Can’t Ref at the Highest Level” – Waterpolo Referee Boris Margeta on practice & VAR

In this episode of the Waterpolo Expert Talk, international referee Boris Margeta offers a rare and detailed insight into the world of elite water polo officiating. With decades of experience as a former player, coach and referee at the highest international level, Margeta explains why refereeing water polo is every bit as demanding as playing or coaching the sport. Boris begins by introducing himself and his background in Slovenia, a country better known for skiing than water polo. He explains how he started as a swimmer, fell in love with the yellow ball, became a water polo player, later a youth coach, and eventually transitioned into refereeing. This unique career path allows him to see the game from every perspective – player, coach, parent and referee. One of the central themes of the episode is clear: referees must train just like athletes. According to Margeta, it is impossible to officiate top-level competitions without constant practice. Unlike other sports, water polo referees cannot stop the game to reconsider decisions. Choices must be made instantly, often based on situations happening underwater and out of the referee’s direct line of sight. The only way to handle this pressure is through repetition, drills and constant exposure to real game situations. Margeta explains why refereeing youth games is essential for top referees. He regularly officiates U13 and U15 matches, sometimes even on one goal only, because these games provide unpredictable situations that sharpen decision-making. At the same time, he emphasizes that young players deserve the best refereeing possible, as their understanding of the sport is shaped by what referees allow or punish at an early age. A major part of the conversation focuses on decision-making under pressure. Boris explains that referees should not see themselves as punishers, but as facilitators who reward correct play and good intentions. Understanding the intention of a player – whether an action aims to score, defend fairly or simulate – is crucial in making the right call. The episode also covers the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on referees worldwide. With pools closed and games canceled, referees had almost no physical practice for over a year. Margeta highlights how the global referee community responded by creating online education platforms, video analysis sessions and quizzes, ensuring that learning never stopped despite the lack of matches. Another key topic is the introduction of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) in water polo. Margeta strongly supports VAR, explaining that it improves fairness and accuracy, especially in goal/no-goal situations, technical errors and last-second decisions. However, he also warns that VAR must be used carefully and only for decisive moments, so it does not disrupt the flow of the game. Margeta shares his thoughts on transparency in officiating and suggests that, in the future, audiences should hear explanations of final referee decisions – similar to American football – to improve understanding and trust. He also discusses referee teamwork, stressing that chemistry between referees is essential. According to him, referees must not only be colleagues, but friends who trust each other completely, because every decision on the field is shared. The episode concludes with reflections on role models in refereeing, lifelong learning, and why water polo officiating is built on respect, preparation and continuous development. 🎧 More about the podcast: https://www.schulzekopp.de 🤽‍♂️ A must-listen episode for players, coaches and anyone interested in the unseen side of elite water polo.