Blog Archives

DEATH OF INSPIRATIONAL INVICTA FOUNDER

30/7/2019

The death has occurred after a lengthy illness of Fred Holehouse, co-founder and president of Invicta.

For many years, Fred was a driving force behind the development of Kent water polo, serving as team manager. His water polo passions were Bexley WPC and Invicta. Nothing will have given him more satisfaction in recent years than seeing the rise of Invicta – capped last season when the club finished runners-up in the BWPL men’s Super 5s.

Invicta’s website reports: “Many Invicta players will remember Fred’s legendary newsletters, particularly in the days of home and away fixtures. Fred often used to say he was Britain’s greatest-ever uncapped goalkeeper – we can all vouch that he was an imposing figure between the sticks.

“Anyone who has played for or been associated with Invicta owes a great deal to Fred as his hard work and support enabled the players to play at the highest level in GB. He will be greatly missed by us all and our thoughts are with Pam and the family at this sad time."

TOP EUROPEAN OFFICIAL VISITS BWPL

25/7/2019

As the latest of its initiatives to help with the introduction of new FINA rules, the British League is proud to announce that Jacques Racine (pictured), one of Europe’s most distinguished water polo officials, will be a very special guest at the event at Ponds Forge, Sheffield, on 28/29 September.

Jacques, from Switzerland, will be taking a clinic for the League’s delegates on Friday, 27 September, and then talking to a gathering of referees on Saturday morning.

The visit has been set up by the League’s new Delegate Group, which oversees all matters relating to BWPL officials. Group chairman Jeff Parker explained: “The new rules now in operation are transforming the way that water polo is played – the biggest changes we have seen for many years.

“It’s essential that in GB we know and understand what is happening in Europe. Therefore, Jacques’s visit will be vital in helping BWPL officials aim for a consistent application of the changes.”

Jacques has been a member of LEN Technical Water Polo Committee since 2004 and lectures at the LEN refereeing school. As a referee, he officiated in more than 180 internationals. He was also a FINA TWPC member for a number of years.

TABLE OFFICIALS' COURSES

25/7/2019

In conjunction with Swim England, a course for new table officials is to be held during the BWPL weekend at Ponds Forge, Sheffield, Saturday, 12 October, 1pm-5pm.

The sport needs more officials – and, with teams from four BWPL divisions in action, it’s a great opportunity for players, supporters etc to get involved. Contact Mike Hesketh, [email protected], to register.

With new rules in mind, a seminar for current BWPL officials is planned during the women’s Division 3 event at Northampton School for Boys, Billing Road, Northampton, NN1 5RT, on Saturday, 21 September. To book a place, please contact Michele Padbury, [email protected].

Another course for new table officials is being jointly organised by BWPL and SE London Region at Haberdashers School on Saturday 19th October. To book a place, please contact Mike Hesketh [email protected].

GETTING TO GRIPS WITH NEW RULES

9/7/2019

For more details about new FINA rules, you can now read a helpful document – see New Rules and Application on the Information page.

It’s based on the FINA Technical Water Polo Committee’s clarification document and has already been used in presentations at the BWPL annual meeting and at seminars organised during the inter-regional age group championships at Blackpool and Walsall.