What powers does a water polo referee have?

Under the World Aquatics rules, referees are in absolute control of the game, and their authority over players, team officials and spectators applies from the moment they enter until they leave the venue. Referees have the power to:

• Award or not award any ordinary, exclusion or penalty foul, while encouraging action and the advantage of the attacking team. You may award a foul or refrain from awarding one if awarding it would be an advantage to the offending player's team.
• Order any player, substitute, spectator or official whose behaviour prevents you doing your job properly and impartially to be removed from the pool precincts or venue.
• Abandon the game at any time if the behaviour of players or spectators, or other circumstances, prevent it being brought to a proper conclusion.

At World Aquatics events the officials are two referees, two assistant referees, timekeepers, secretaries and a video assistant referee. WPA lists its match official roles as referees, technical delegates and table officials.

Sources: World Aquatics Competition Regulations Part Six, Article 3 (25 June 2025); https://waterpoloaustralia.com.au/get-involved/become-a-referee/