The Aquatic Sports Association of Malta (ASA) has announced the launch of the ASA Water Polo Referees Academy, a new initiative designed to enhance officiating standards and support the long-term development and sustainability of refereeing within Maltese water polo.

The Academy will be led by experienced officials Mario Dalli and Ivan Sciriha, who will oversee the delivery and coordination of the Fundamental Course in Water Polo Refereeing. The programme forms part of the ASA’s wider strategy to attract new referees to the sport, while also providing structured educational and developmental support to the existing refereeing pool.

At the core of the initiative is a Foundation Lecture Programme consisting of ten lectures, which will commence on Saturday, 21 February. Through this programme, clubs are being offered the opportunity to nominate one or more individuals to attend the sessions and acquire a solid grounding in the rules, interpretations and key principles of water polo officiating.

The ASA outlined several key objectives for the Academy. These include ensuring that every club has at least one individual with a sound knowledge of the laws of the game, enabling clubs to identify informed persons who can assist with officiating duties during friendly or internal matches, and identifying individuals with the interest and potential to progress into refereeing roles in the long term after completing an official foundation course.

Clubs have been encouraged to nominate one suitable representative, preferably someone who demonstrates commitment, interest and potential for future involvement in refereeing.

All lectures will be held on Saturdays at 2:00pm, with the full schedule set for 21 and 28 February, 4, 11 and 18 March, 28 March, and 11, 18, 25 April and 2 May. Further logistical information, including venue details and any preparatory requirements, will be communicated at a later stage.

Clubs are requested to confirm the name and contact details of their nominated representative by 10 January 2026.

The ASA concluded by thanking clubs for their cooperation and support in the continued development of officiating standards and the future generation of referees within Maltese water polo, reinforcing its guiding principle: “Our Home Is Water.”