Every game needs officials who know the sport inside and out. For Jason Wedding, refereeing in the Australian Waterpolo League (AWL) is about giving back to a game that’s been a part of his life since school and experiencing the sport from a whole new perspective.
Looking for a water-based sport through school, Wedding discovered water polo and quickly found his place between the posts as a goalkeeper. But it was a nudge from a respected figure in South Australian water polo that set him on a different path.
“I began refereeing because there were school games being played at my school and Jon Harmer threw me under the bus as having a good head for the rules,” he said.
Fast forward to today, and Wedding is officiating in the AWL, an experience he describes as nothing short of whirlwind.
“I reached AWL leave the year before Adelaide lost their AWL team. I honestly thought that it would mean the end of my opportunities to develop. Instead, Water Polo Australia has been extremely supportive finding ways to keep me involved and still developing,” he said.
Refereeing at the elite level has also brought a special sense of perspective.
“It’s been great to be an official alongside some of the officials that refereed the National League games I played back in the day. Having them now involved as mentors feels like a full circle moment.”
A typical match day can include the stresses of interstate travel, and finding the venue, but to Sharkey, game day still manages to have that novelty feeling and has learnt to read the tone of the game before the first whistle.
“I like to watch team warm-ups to get a feel for how the game is going to be played. So far, I’ve refereed with someone new most games, so coordinating expectations before the whistle is a must,” he said.
While recent rule changes have improved consistency, Wedding says referees still need to constantly adapt.
“The quick transition between the male and female games at tournaments can be tricky. It’s interesting how the same rules play out differently and require subtle shifts in focus.”
One game in particular still stands out.
“My first National League game was memorable for all the wrong reasons. The teams wore special caps that were almost impossible to read. By halftime, players were calling out their own numbers when they were kicked out or scored a goal.”
“It was stressful but both teams played in great spirits and made it a memorable first game,” he said.
Despite the pressure, moments like these reinforce why Wedding keeps coming back.
“Refereeing has always been about giving back to a sport that’s given me so many opportunities. The sport needs officials, and if I can help by being one of them, that’s rewarding.”
Wedding hopes more people will consider refereeing as a way to stay involved in the sport.
“Just give it a go. The sport is always looking for more referees across Australia. No matter the grade, there’s always something new to learn.”
Officials are the backbone of any sport. Find out more about becoming a referee with Water Polo Australia here.
