What is the system to hold Refs accountable? Legitimate question, I have no idea how it works.
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Probably depends on the scenario. If it has something to do with the code of SafeSport then that is probably handled through that avenue. All coaches and refs must comply.
I do think USA Waterpolo could do better with the money we all pay. Their website has no working links for the Referee area…
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What’s the issue needing to be addressed? That might assist in getting you steered in the right direction by those here. I understand there’s not a direct website or “tab” for one to voice an opinion/objection (be it good and/or bad), but I also understand if there was one it would be problematic as every little (most being frivilous) complaint would flow in from many who don’t truly understand the rules to begin with especially with some of the new rule changes. That being said, I agree there should be something to make it easier to report issues we all could agree might currently be happening.
That’s a legitimate but pretty vague question. What’s the system to hold parents accountable? Coaches accountable?
Every reff, coach and team/club official must take the Safe Sports training each year, so if what you are asking about relates to some type of physical misconduct, cheating, bullying and things of that nature, the Safe Sports website will have all the info you need. Safe Sports is separate from USA waterpolo.
If you are talking about bad calls, (in your opinion) well then you probably need to contact USA waterpolo, and discuss with them, but keep in mind professional referees in NFL, NHL, NBA . Major League Baseball, are the best of the best, and they make mistakes very often, but have video review to go to and correct mistakes. Our waterpolo reffs do not have that luxury
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Not having a review system is not a system. It is a license to determine the outcomes of games with zero accountability.
I used to play hockey in New England. Games that were tightly refereed from the first whistle always had a higher standard and quality of play than the games that they just “let them play”.
I guess a shoulder shrug and a “what can we do comment” isn’t what I’m looking for.
What can be done to have a standard, certainly post-match, to have an after action review and try and tighten up how these games are refereed?
I’m confident everyone on this board has been on both ends of this problem.
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Actually I have only been on the bad side if reffing, Is there ever a time you feel like you benefited? I kid, kinda.
I have seen ref evaluations happen. It isn’t realistic to do it at a parent request, but I can say they do happen. On the USAWP site there is a person in each zone designated to overseeing refs. I suggest you reach out to your zones head referee is you have specific feedback. They are listed along with their email.
This! 
Absolutely!
Water polo officials are independent contractors assigned through various organizations depending on which body is sanctioning the event.
USAWP (Club) Events are assigned through USAWP Zone Head Referees. Many referees work across multiple zones depending on where competitions are held.
CIF High School Games in Southern California are assigned through SCAF Regional Associations, or through SDWPOA in San Diego. Pathways for NorCal and non-California states may vary.
NCAA and Junior College Games are assigned through each respective conference assigner/coordinator of officials, once officials have demonstrated competency and been added to the JC/NCAA List, though I don’t know how this process actually happens (I’m not a college official)
Each of these organizations operates with its own training, instruction, and onboarding processes — providing development and mentorship in ways that best serve their level of play.
Hope this helps clarify things, @mambapolo!
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