“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.