Being a referee in canoe polo

Every sport with some form of competition needs a referee, canoe polo being no exception.
Referees in canoe polo operate from the shore, giving them a better overview, but they aren’t as close as some other sports, which can be challenging.

In general, there are 2 main referees, one on each side, both are mainly responsible for the playing area on their right side, when the ball is in the goal area, one referee monitors the defenders zone, another pays more attention to the general playing area.

The start of the game

The main referee will throw the ball in the middle of the playing area, a steady throw can be helpful. The other referee works together with the line judges to make sure players start at their goal line.

Once the initial whistle blow was given, both referees move along with the playing zone, keeping the ball on their left. This gives the best coverage.

Absolute authority

The referees have absolute authority over the game. There will never be any discussions about referee calls, infringements can be punished with green, yellow or even a red card.
Usually, referees are also players for another team, making this harder than normal. If you punish a player for an infringement during one game, he can “take revenge” in the next.

Becoming a referee in Belgium

Unlike some other countries, not everyone is allowed to referee an official game in Belgium, there are strict rules to maintain a certain quality.

The first step in becoming a Belgian referee is passing the theoretical exam. There are several opportunities to take one and the questions test a broad general knowledge on the rules, gear standards and expected referee behavior.
A sample exam is available here: example exam 2012 (+ solution).
You need 50% to pass the exam.

The second step is doing a practical exam on one of the official competition days. Starting in 3rd division, you have to referee 1 exam game in the division you wish to promote to. So a division 1 referee has to do at least 3 exams.
Lower level exams are judged by another division 1 referee, higher level exams (div 1 & 2) are judged by official ICF referees.

Every 2 years, referees need to be updated on rule changes and new innovations like shot clocks.