2020 in focus: Referee Daniel Bartels

Water Polo Australia’s ongoing 2020 in focus series is all about getting to know the people at the heart of our great sport - the coaches, players, referees and volunteers who form part of the Australian water polo community.

Daniel Bartels has been refereeing in Australia for the last 25 years, and has been an active member on the FINA referee list for the last 10 years.

Bartels was one of the referees appointed to officiate the Aussie Sharks test series against Croatia, and more recently is refereeing in the 2020 OVO Australian Waterpolo League.

Bartels said it’s great to see so much water polo action, with both international and national league fixtures, on home soil.

“It’s amazing for Australian spectators and the Aussie athletes to compete locally,” Bartels said.

“It’s always special to have family and friends come along to see what you do, both as a referee and player, especially when we spend so much time travelling with the sport,” he said.

“With the international tests we’ve hosted, with both Croatia and USA, it’s a great experience to have our own community come and see what we do at an international level.”

Bartels involvement with water polo started in the pool, where he played the sport until he was 20 years old.

It was then that he decided to pursue a career outside of the water, serving as a referee.

“Our sport provides a lot of different ways for people to stay involved after their playing career,” Bartels said.

“You may not be the best player, but you can still achieve at the top level and remain involved in our sport - whether that be refereeing, on the table or coaching,” he said.

The NSW referee said that it’s important that referees continue to learn and develop every time they’re on pool deck.

“It’s crucial that we continue to work on our trade, learn the new rules, and adapt to the game as its evolving,” Bartels said.

“We have some of the best referees, and players, here in Australia and its important that we continue to learn to maintain that status.”