Q&A with Daniel Flahive

Daniel Flahive has officiated at the highest level for a water polo referee during the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games. WPA caught up with Daniel one on one after the most recent international season came to an end.

1. HOW DID YOU ADJUST FROM THE FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINALS TO THE FINA WORLD CUP THIS YEAR WHEN THE NEW RULES WERE IMPLEMENTED?
   
   Luckily the change wasn't that hard. The hardest thing was to remember the new rules and then implement them in a game situation.
    
2. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE NEW RULES?
   
   I like most of the new rules they speed the game up and make the players think more. The only new rule I don't like, is you can call a penalty foul with a player holding the ball.
    
3. HOW DO YOU TRAIN FOR THESE MAJOR INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTS?
   
   The only way to prepare for these tournaments is by doing lots of games and training games leading into the competition just like the players.
    
4. WHEN IS YOUR OFF SEASON & WHAT DOES AN OFF SEASON LOOK LIKE FOR AN OFFICIAL?
   
   Unfortunately, there is no off season these days for an official as water polo is pretty much played 12 months of the year. When you add in juniors, school competitions, local matches, national age championships, Australian Waterpolo League, then overseas tournaments and training camps, there is little time left.

   WPA recently announced new courses available on The LearningPool for officials as well as the opportunity for current officials to receive Recognition of Prior Training ahead of the inaugural Australian Youth Water Polo Championships. Introductory offers across all courses ends 31 December 2018. Visit The LearningPool page for more information.

5. WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED WHICH HAS HELPED WITH YOUR REFEREEING?
   
   Don't take the yelling and abuse you receive to heart - the coaches are just doing their job, it’s a game.
    
6. TO THE YOUNG, ASPIRING REFEREES IN AUSTRALIA WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU PASS ONTO THEM?
   
   You must be able to take criticism, take on board what delegates and coaches have to say. We all make mistakes during a game, learn from them.
    
7. WHERE WAS YOUR INTERNATIONAL REFEREE DEBUT?
   
   My first international competition was the 2007 FINA World Men's Junior Waterpolo Championships in Long Beach, USA.
    
8. WHAT IS THE BEST COUNTRY TO TRAVEL TO FOR REFEREEING?
   
   I think it’s a privilege to travel overseas to referee, but to choose a specific country I don't think you can go past Croatia or Hungary because they are the mecca for water polo.
    

Being an official can provide great fulfillment while also taking you around the world as part of this global game. It is a critical role which ensures games can be played successfully and in the right spirit. Start your training to become an official TODAY! Visit The LearningPool and see how you can start your new role in water polo.