Entry-level officiating
Community Sport Referee
For members who have not previously taken a referee course and want to officiate Community League and provincial events.
Recommended starting point for new referees
Explore levelStart here
Getting started as a referee
Referees enforce the rules, support fair play and help keep water polo safe and competitive. Learning the rules is valuable for everyone, whether you plan to officiate or simply want to better understand the game.
- Register with your clubComplete your seasonal RAMP registration and the screening requirements that apply to you.
- Choose a referee courseStart with the Community/Regional course or continue to the Provincial level.
- Build practical experienceApply your training while officiating events appropriate to your certification level.
Interested in a different officiating role? Visit the Minor Officials page for information about table officials.
Required for Saskatchewan referees
Registration, certification and screening
Complete the requirements below before officiating. Age-based screening requirements apply if you turn 18 at any point during the season.
| Requirement | Renewal | Who | How to complete |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAMP Registration | Every season | All referees | Register through your club's RAMP registration portal. |
| Community Sport or Provincial Competition Referee Trained | Once | All referees | Complete the course appropriate to the level you will officiate. Water Polo Canada retains course records, so proof does not need to be submitted to WPS. |
| Enhanced Police Information Check (E-PIC) | Must remain valid through the end of the season; renew every 3 years | Referees age 18+ | Upload an E-PIC from your local police department or complete an Enhanced Online Police Information Check during registration. |
| Screening Disclosure / Renewal Form | Year 1 / Year 2 & 3 | All referees | Submit the appropriate form during registration. |
Club registration portals
Estevan Sharks · Humboldt Stingrays · Regina Armada · Saskatoon Pirates · Weyburn Hurricanes
More about E-PICs
Referees who are 18 or older at any time during the season need a valid Enhanced Police Information Check.
- Obtain an E-PIC from your local police department and upload it during registration.
- Complete an Enhanced Online Police Information Check during registration.
More about screening forms
Submit the Screening Disclosure Form every three years. In each intervening year, submit the Screening Renewal Form instead. Both forms are linked in the requirements table above.
Referee education
Choose your course level
Water Polo Saskatchewan offers referee courses when clubs express interest, typically in the fall.
Trained and Certified are different statuses. You become Trained by meeting the entry prerequisites and completing the course’s classroom and practical training. You become Certified after completing the additional age, examination, practical-experience and evaluation requirements listed for that level.
Advanced officiating
Provincial Competition Referee
For referees working at the provincial level, with training for National Championship League and National Provincial Championship competition.
Prerequisite: Certified Community Sport Referee
Explore levelAdvanced officiating
National Competition Referee
For referees with prior water polo experience. National Competition Referees can officiate at National Championship League 18U and Senior-level competitions.
Prerequisite: Certified Provincial Competition Referee
Explore levelReferee Education
Explore pathways
Community Sport Referee
Who this level is for
Teenagers and adults with little experience with water polo rules. Participants are often club athletes with a few years of playing experience or parents of athletes.
Complete the course
- Be at least 14 years old by December 31 of the calendar year
- Complete 6 hours of classroom training
- Complete 3.5 hours of practical training
Once Trained, you can officiate at:
- Community League
- Provincial Evolution League
- Provincial Championships
- Similar community and provincial events
Community Sport Referee Certified status is not required to officiate at these events.
Complete the evaluation requirements
- Be at least 16 years old by December 31 of the calendar year
- Pass the written examination given at the end of the workshop
- Complete 20 hours of verified practical experience in scrimmages and games
- Complete 3 evaluations at 12U or older events
Practical experience and evaluations may happen at the same time. You may request an evaluation before completing all 20 hours.
Pathway and next step
View the Regional Referee Training and Certification Pathway
Community Sport Referee certification is required before progressing to Provincial Competition Referee training.
Provincial Competition Referee
Who this level is for
Officials with strong rule knowledge and athletes refining their skills at provincial and national levels. Participants typically have 3–4 years of playing experience and a couple of years of referee experience.
Complete the course
- Be at least 16 years old by December 31 of the calendar year
- Be Community Sport Referee Certified
- Complete 6 hours of classroom training
- Complete 5.5 hours of practical training
Where you can officiate
- Train to Train (16U)
- Train to Compete (18U)
- Active for Life (Recreational Masters)
Provincial Competition Referee Trained is the minimum level needed to begin officiating at national events, including the NCL and National Provincial Championships.
Complete the evaluation requirements
- Be at least 18 years old by December 31 of the calendar year
- Pass the written examination given at the end of the workshop
- Complete 30 hours of verified practical experience in scrimmages and games
- Complete 6 evaluations at 16U or 18U events
Practical experience and evaluations may happen at the same time. You may request an evaluation before completing all 30 hours.
Pathway and next step
View the Provincial Referee Training and Certification Pathway
Provincial Competition Referee certification is required before progressing to National Competition Referee training.
National Competition Referee
Who this level is for
Officials with prior water polo experience and athletes who are perfecting and maintaining their competitive skills at the national level.
Complete the course
- Be at least 18 years old by December 31 of the calendar year
- Be Provincial Competition Referee Certified
- Complete 6 hours of classroom training
- Complete 6.5 hours of practical training
Where you can officiate
- Train to Compete (18U)
- Learn to Win (Senior)
- Train to Win (Senior)
- Competitive for Life (Senior)
Complete the evaluation requirements
- Pass the written examination given at the end of the workshop
- Complete 40 hours of verified practical experience in scrimmages and games
- Complete 6 evaluations at Senior events
Practical experience and evaluations may happen at the same time. You may request an evaluation before completing all 40 hours.
Official program information
Review Water Polo Canada’s complete requirements, development model and certification guidance.
Course updateS
Referee Courses
Community Sport Referee course dates and registration details are to be confirmed for Fall 2026.
Fall 2026 courses are to be confirmed. Please check back for course dates, locations, fees and registration information.
Keep learning
Referee resources
Find rules, reference materials and other tools to support your development as an official.
