Faces of the AYWPC: Aimee Hagan

Aimee Hagan is no stranger to the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships (AYWPC), with the Geraldton referee currently officiating at her third AYWPC this year in Perth. 

After playing the sport for more than a decade, Aimee decided to pick up the whistle a few years back, seeing it as an opportunity to grow her water polo knowledge. 

Encouragement from a Western Australian refereeing stalwart, combined with the fact that two of her children were involved, gave Aimee the push she needed to referee her very first AYWPC competition. 

“My first AYWPC was in Perth two years ago, and I got involved because of Liz Burman,, and also because of my son and daughter,” Aimee said. 

“My daughter played in a UWA draft team, and my son was one of the first to play for a Geraldton team… so that was a good incentive to come down (to Perth).”

Not only does the AYWPC have the ability to bring players and teams from across the nation together, but the fact that it also draws referees from far and wide is an aspect that keeps Aimee coming back time after time. 

“For two weeks every year, I get to meet some new people, or re-meet some people that I've met once before. 

“And everyone has different life experiences and different water polo experiences, so it's a collection of knowledge and forming new friendships that make the championships so beneficial.” 

As a lover of the game, Aimee said it is always special to see firsthand the development teams undergo over just one week at the AYWPC. 

“Last week, I refereed one of the 18&U Girls Green teams a couple of times, and from day one through to day five, you could see such a big difference in their skills,” Aimee said. 

“I think it just came from playing games against tough competition that brought out their best water polo as well.” 

Aimee encourages anyone who has thought about refereeing to give it a go. 

“It's a great community, and I think water polo as a whole needs (more) referees,” Aimee said. 

“Becoming a referee will help your game, help you as a team player, and it just gives you a whole different perspective on the game.”