“I think this event is integral to the growth of the game in Australia”

An opportunity for both personal and professional development within sporting space, the inaugural Water Polo Australia (WPA) Summit took place on the Gold Coast from 1-2 October.

Held directly after the 2024 15&U and 17&U National State Championships, the Summit encouraged interested parties from a range of backgrounds to collaborate and network to strengthen Water Polo and its depth within Australia.

Particularly aimed at coaches and referees from grassroots through to high performance, the event featured speakers such as Boris Margeta (World Aquatics), Olympic coaches Tim Hamill and Bec Rippon and Olympic Referees.

Water Polo Australia delegate and referee and President of Tamworth Water Polo, Gail Salter, was among those who attended the two-day event, stating it was a fantastic opportunity for those passionate about and involved in the sport.

“I felt it was just not just in my own best interests but also for the interests of regional water polo that I should attend the WPA Summit,” said Salter.

“I’ve been incredibly lucky to receive numerous opportunities through the sport, so the opportunity to attend, learn and give back to the community through those learnings was fantastic, I’m really pleased I went.

“The event provided us with very educational information with respect to the latest updates in rule interpretations which was great. Boris Margeta was there and we would deem him as one of the best referees in the world, so it was wonderful to hear his update post-Olympics.

“We also had an opportunity to hear from Bec and Tim which was fantastic with the event being so close to their own Olympic experience,” she said.

After noting there were many incredible takeaways from the event, Salter said she would recommend the event to referees, coaches and other interested individuals in the future.

“I think this event will be integral to the growth of the game in Australia, I really do,” she said.

“There were so many things to take away from the Summit and I think being more open and communicative about the rules and interpretations as a community as a whole is one of them.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re a coach or official from a regional or city area, if we’re all on the same page, the sport will benefit.

“It’s also a great way to meet and connect with other like minded people from around the country - the networking that the event allows is really important.”