“The new rules are good – But they are only the base” – Boris Margeta on rule changes & refereeing culture

In the second part of his appearance on the Waterpolo Expert Talk,
international referee Boris Margeta dives deeper into the recent
rule changes in water polo, their impact on the game, and why they
should be seen as a starting point rather than a finished solution.
Boris begins by sharing some of his most emotional memories as a
referee, including his first Olympic Games in Sydney 2000, which
coincided with his birthday. The experience, the atmosphere and the
support from fellow referees shaped his decision to fully commit to
refereeing at the highest level. Another unforgettable moment was
the dramatic final in Rome between Serbia and Spain, a marathon
match decided after extra time and penalties in front of a packed
crowd – a perfect example of water polo as a spectacular, global
sport. The conversation then shifts to pre-game preparation and
rituals. Despite decades of experience, Boris explains that fear,
adrenaline and nervousness never disappear – and shouldn’t. To stay
focused, he isolates himself on match day, limits communication,
listens to calming music, prays, speaks with his wife and prepares
mentally to enter the pool fully concentrated. For him, every final
is treated like the first final. A major topic of the episode is
refereeing culture across countries. Boris strongly rejects the
idea that different nations interpret the rules differently. There
is only one rulebook, one referee association and one philosophy.
Cultural differences may affect communication styles, but not the
application of the rules. Referees must never be perceived as
enemies. Clear communication, warnings, understanding advantage and
feeling the rhythm of the game are far more important than rigid
punishment. One of the most quoted statements of the episode
captures his philosophy perfectly: “First learn the rulebook. Then
throw it in the garbage and referee with the flow of the game.”
Knowing the rules deeply allows referees to apply advantage
correctly, protect attacking play and reward movement instead of
static wrestling. When discussing the new water polo rules, Boris
is clear: the direction is right. The sport had become too static,
too physical and difficult to understand for spectators. The new
rules protect movement, reduce holding and increase speed.
Statistics prove that the game is now faster and more dynamic.
However, he believes this process is not finished. He argues for
even stricter punishment of two-handed holding and clearer
interpretation of penalties, emphasizing that water itself already
creates resistance and danger. Boris also places water polo in a
broader context, noting that all major sports are changing rules –
football, handball and basketball included – to become faster,
clearer and more attractive for fans and broadcasters. A
particularly critical part of the conversation focuses on the
status of referees. Unlike football or handball, water polo
referees remain largely amateur. Boris openly criticizes the
reality that referees may officiate a Champions League final for
minimal compensation or spend weeks at major tournaments without
financial support from their federations. Without structural
change, professional officiating at the highest level is
impossible. Reflecting on recent events like the Champions League
Final Eight in Belgrade, Boris explains that the pressure of a
final is no different from any other important match. Whether it is
a local league final or a European final, referees must approach
every game with the same professionalism, respect and emotional
control. The episode concludes with a look ahead to the World
Championships, Boris’s excitement to reunite with colleagues after
the pandemic, and his belief that young German players will benefit
enormously from competing against the world’s best teams –
regardless of short-term results. This episode offers a rare,
honest and authoritative perspective on refereeing, rule evolution
and the future of water polo from one of the sport’s