Introduction of a new rule requiring approval:
The issue of ex National players playing below their age groups.

This problem was brought to the attention of the Executive during the 2014 Tournament.

The suggested proposal for consideration is that ex-National players, in any age group, should not be allowed to play in a division above their age.

E.g. Glenwood had three ex Boks in their early 30’s playing in the 35+ group. This is not fair on players at the end of the age group, i.e. 45 year olds.

Thus if you are an ex-National player, then you will ONLY be permitted to play in your age bracket or below BUT never up!

Should ex-National players be limited to playing in their age division?
Yes: 4
No: 3

Following the AGM at the 2013 SA Masters in Cape Town, new age groupings will be in effect for the 2014 SA Masters tournament.

The new age groups are

• 25+
• 35+
• 45+
• 55+

with handicapping and average age of 7 youngest still applying as before.

Congratulations Dion Willis

21 May 2013 in General

FINA WATER POLO REFEREE’S REPORT by DION WILLIS to SSA
4th FINA WORLD MEN’S WATER POLO
DEVELOPMENT TROPHY KUWAIT
6th – 11th MAY 2013

Kuwait City, KUWAIT – The 2013 edition of the FINA Men’s Water Polo World Development Trophy, the 4th such event, was hosted by the Kuwait Swimming Federation in Kuwait. There were 11 teams participating in two Groups – Algeria was a late cancellation. The tournament began on a sunny day in Kuwait. The FINA sanctioned tournament was run over 6 days with 12 countries represented. Four teams representing three (3) Continents:

Competition System:
The competition system was an abbreviated Olympic Games Program as identified in FINA BL 9.4.1.2 with two (2) groups of six (6) teams playing a single round robin in each group. The final round was using an abbreviated formula with the first ranked team in each group playing each other for first and second placing, the second ranked team in each group playing each other for third and fourth placing…and so on.

The two (2) groups namely Group A and Group B were as follows:
Group A: Tunisia – Egypt – Peru – Uruguay – Singapore – Saudi Arabia
Group B: South Africa – Puerto Rico – Guatemala – Uzbekistan – Kuwait

Final Rankings
Gold Uzbekistan (UZB)
Silver Egypt (EGY)
Bronze Saudi Arabia (KSA)
4. Puerto Rico (PUR)
5. Kuwait (KUW)
6. Uruguay (URU)
7. South Africa (RSA)
8. Tunisia (TUN)
9. Singapore (SIN)
10. Guatemala (GUA)
11. Peru (PER)

Summary:
I officiated in five (5) matches over the six (6) day tournament which included the gold medal match between Uzbekistan and Egypt respectively. To be awarded the gold medal match by the FINA TWPC was an honour and a privilege for me, my federation and my country.

I am lead to believe that I was the first South African referee to be awarded a gold medal match at a FINA sanctioned tournament. I wish to thank my federation (Swimming South Africa) for giving me the opportunity to officiate at this the 4th FINA Men’s World Water Polo Development Trophy and hope to represent my federation again in the near future.

Congratulations to Brett Redenlinghuis and his organising committee on running a successful 25th SA Masters Waterpolo tournament at the Hillcrest Wine Estate.

2014 will again be hosted by Western Province.

On a sad note, Warwick Smith – a long serving player and stalwart of the Zimnat team passed away after losing his battle to cancer. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and fellow team mates.