REFEREE ANDREW CARNEY SETS NEW AWL RECORD

The 2023 Australian Waterpolo League (AWL) season is shaping up to be a record breaking year, with referee Andrew Carney last weekend becoming the first referee to reach 800 AWL games. 

It comes just a week after Dual Olympian Glencora McGhie became the first female player to reach an incredible 350 AWL matches. 

Since his first game in the 90’s, Carney’s love of the game has only grown and that passion is what has kept him involved for more than two decades. 

“My first game was way back in 1997, I actually don’t really remember much from it other than I was very nervous,” Carney said.

“Refereeing is a way I can be involved in the sport after my playing days finished a long time ago. I love the sport… refereeing all over Australia and the world, it is hard work but also a lot of fun. 

“[Reaching 800 games] is not something that I set out to achieve all those years ago, but when I reflect on it, 800 games is a lot in any competition. I also feel humbled,” he said. 

Over the many years, the game and the AWL competition itself has changed in many ways, with Carney breaking down the major changes from his perspective. 

“The game is now faster and most of the time a lot less physical,” Carney said.

“I have been refereeing for so long now I have seen the removal of referees using flags instead of arm signals, the introduction of special areas for outside shots - 7m and now the 6m. Penalties being taken from the 4m line now taken on the to 5m line,” he said. 

Carney is among a dedicated group of AWL referees, who come back each year to ensure a high standard of competition in Australia is delivered. 

But like many sports, Water Polo is always looking for more people to get involved and Carney’s advice to those thinking about it is simple. 

“You need to want to do it, treat refereeing as you would playing. Learn as much as you can about the game, learn and understand the rules and practice refereeing as much as you can. 

“Listen to advice from more experienced referees as Australia has a lot of very experienced referees that are more than willing to help new people as they start their refereeing journey and during their continued development,” he said.