2020 in focus: Referee Liam Ireland

Water Polo Australia’s ongoing 2020 in Focus series is catching up with the people and clubs that make up our great sport in Australia.

Liam Ireland is one of the many referees who have been officiating at the 2020 KAP7 Australian Youth Water Polo Championships.

But Liam’s involvement in water polo didn’t start with refereeing, instead he started in FlippaBall.

The NSW Central Coast referee said that it wasn’t until one weekend when someone suggested he start referee that he thought to give it a go.

“I’d just finished up coaching FlippaBall and someone suggested that I should referee,” Ireland said.

“I really enjoyed it - I even ended up refereeing five games that day and I haven’t looked back since,” he said.

Liam was recently appointed to the OVO Australian Water Polo League (AWL) Referee panel, for the third year in a row.

“To be honest it was a bit of a shock to be named on the AWL panel for the first time three years ago,” Liam said.

“But since then I’ve learned a lot and I think I’ve really developed my game.”

Despite being one of the top referees in the country, Liam still continues to dream big.

“My goal at the moment is to make the FINA list within the next two seasons,” Ireland said.

“I don’t think I’m ready just yet, but with another two or three seasons under my belt I think I will be.”

The 24-year-old said that his favourite part about the KAP7 Australian Youth Water Polo Championships has been the camaraderie.

“All the referees that come to Championships like these, no matter if they are new or old, everyone just supports each other - it’s great.”