Without Training you can’t Ref at the highest level – International Water Polo Referee Boris Margeta

In this episode of the Waterpolo Expert Talk, I speak with Boris
Margeta, internationally active water polo referee from Slovenia,
about what it really takes to officiate at the highest level of the
sport. Boris shares his journey from swimmer and water polo player
to coach and elite referee, and explains why constant training is
just as important for referees as it is for players. We talk about
the daily practice of referees, decision-making under extreme time
pressure, the importance of experience inside the water, and how
referees learn to read intentions rather than just movements. Boris
also gives deep insight into the psychological demands of
refereeing, communication between referee partners and the
importance of trust and teamwork on deck. A key focus of the
episode is the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in
water polo, how it works in major tournaments like Olympic
qualification events, and which situations can be reviewed. We also
discuss rule development, modernization of the sport, youth
refereeing, and how Corona changed referee education through video
analysis and online learning platforms. Topics of this episode: –
From player & coach to international referee – Why referees
must train constantly – Decision-making under water & under
pressure – Referee teamwork & communication with headset – VAR
in water polo: goal decisions, exclusions & brutality – Youth
refereeing & development of basic rules understanding – Impact
of Corona on referee education This episode is highly valuable for
players, coaches, referees, officials and water polo fans who want
to understand the game from the perspective of the referee. More
about the podcast: https://www.schulzekopp.de