Water Polo Australia appoints first paid National Referees Coordinator
Published Wed 27 Jan 2021
Water Polo Australia is pleased to announce that Phillip Bower will be continuing in his role of National Referees Coordinator, after the appointment into the new part time, paid role.
The WPA National Referees Coordinator has largely been a volunteer position, however in order to better reflect the critical role referees play in the sport and the targets within the National Strategic Framework, it was seen as essential that this role become a paid employee of WPA..
Water Polo Australia CEO Richard McInnes said he is looking forward to continuing to work closely with Phil.
“Phil is one of the most experienced referees in the country, having refereed at the highest level for many years,” McInnes said.
“Phil is one of seven Australian referees who have officiated at an Olympic Games, and will continue to bring that wealth of knowledge and experience to the position of WPA Referee Director.
“His long-standing contribution to our sport and his service to referee development continues to pave the way for many who have aspired to become referees themselves,” he said.
WPA Referee Director Phil Bower said he’s looking forward to collaborating with WPA staff and referees in order to grow the depth of referees across the country.
“While the base of my role won’t change, I’ll be working over a broader spectrum that oversees referee development and appointments for the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships, Australian Waterpolo League and National Championships,” Bower said.
“We’re also currently working through some plans that will hopefully better support our junior and developing referees, through a mentoring system.”
Bower will also work closely with Tokyo Olympic referee Nicola Johnson in between now and the planned 2021 Olympic Games.
“It’s fantastic to know Nicola will be representing Australia at the Tokyo Olympics - I’ve been at an Olympics before so I know how it works and I’m looking forward to working with her over the next six months,” he said.
