Code of Conduct

CODE OF CONDUCT

The PAWPRA Official’s Code of Conduct is largely based on the tenets of the National Association of Sports Officials, with appropriate modifications when necessary to conform to the sport of water polo and the requirements of the PAWPRA/PASWPA (PA State Water Polo Association).

• 1. Conflict of Interest Statement: Officials shall be free from any obligation other than the fair and impartial judging of the water polo contest. Anything which may lead to a conflict of interest, either real or apparent, must be avoided. Gifts, favors, special treatment, privileges, employment or a personal relationship with a school or team which can compromise the perceived impartiality of officiating must be avoided.

• 2. Officials shall master both the rules of the game and mechanics necessary to enforce the rules, and shall exercise authority in an impartial, firm, and controlled manner. Referees may clarify calls, not lecture individuals regarding behavior.

• 3. Officials shall be professional in their demeanor and serve as ambassadors for the league. This includes showing appropriate respect to student-athletes, coaches, spectators, and host staff at all times, abiding by their rules and regulations while on site.

• 4. Officials will set an example for participants in their behavior. The use of profanity and the consumption of alcoholic beverages or use of tobacco products is prohibited at all PAWPRA/PASWPA events.

• 5. Officials shall work with each other and the PAWPRA in a constructive and cooperative manner. Public criticism of the PAWPRA/PASWPA, other officials, member institutions, or individuals involved with a member institution, is strictly prohibited.

• 6. The PAWPRA/PASWPA Mission is to enhance and enrich the student-athlete experience. Officials should endeavor to meet this mission, without prejudice towards the ability or gender of the student-athletes involved.

• 7. Officials shall never participate in any form of illegal gambling, or gambling on any sporting event in which they have either a direct or indirect involvement.

• 8. All officials associated with the PAWPRA, shall conduct themselves in a manner consistent with protecting the integrity of the PAWPRA/PASWPA. Any person involved in activity, unlawful or otherwise, which in the discretion of the PAWPRA/PASWPA leadership is deemed to bring disrespect or otherwise adversely affect the integrity and reputation of the PAWPRA/PASWPA or the member teams may suffer disciplinary action, suspension, or expulsion from the organization.

• 9. Any person officially charged with a serious crime will be removed from direct involvement with the PAWPRA until such a time when the matter is resolved, at which point the leadership may determine a course of action. 

Note: Any discipline issues involving officials will be dealt with by the PAWPRA/PASWPA leadership.

• 10. Every PAWPRA referee that will be in direct contact with any PASWPA athletes will have completed the NFHS Protecting Students From Abuse certificate course.

  • a. Certification of completed training will be submitted to PAWPRA leadership no later than the start of their first season, and will be re-submitted upon expiration. 

  • b. PAWPRA recognizes any suspension as extended by associated athletic governing bodies (PIAA, SafeSport, USA Water Polo, American Water Polo, etc.).