David Gómez (water-polo referee)
David Gómez | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 3, 1982 Spain |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Occupation | Water polo referee |
| Years active | 2000s–present |
David Gómez (born 3 April 1982) is a Spanish water polo referee known for officiating at top-level international tournaments, including the Olympic Games and World Aquatics Championships.
Career
Gómez began his refereeing career in national leagues under the supervision of the Real Federación Española de Natación (RFEN). He quickly gained recognition within Spain’s water polo community for his strong understanding of the game and was soon promoted to international events.[1]
He became an accredited international referee with FINA and LEN in the 2010s. Since then, he has officiated matches in major competitions including the LEN Champions League, the European Water Polo Championship, and multiple FINA World Aquatics Championships.[2]
In 2021, Gómez was selected to referee at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, which were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. His appointment was considered a recognition of his consistency and professionalism on the international stage.[3]
Recognition
Gómez has contributed to training workshops and referee development programs organized by RFEN and LEN, mentoring new officials entering the sport.[4] He has been recognized within the Spanish officiating community with multiple commendations and continues to play a key role in improving officiating standards.[5]
In 2024, Gómez was one of the lead officials in the men's final at the European Championships in Dubrovnik, a high-profile match between Hungary and Croatia,[6] and in July 2025 he officiated critical matches, including the men bronze-medal final game (Greece vs. Serbia) in the 2025 World Water Polo Championships held in Singapore.
References
- ^ "Árbitros Internacionales" (in Spanish). Real Federación Española de Natación. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
- ^ "LEN Referee List". Ligue Européenne de Natation. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
- ^ "Water Polo Officials - Tokyo 2020". FINA. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
- ^ "Programa de formación arbitral en waterpolo" (in Spanish). Real Federación Española de Natación. 12 March 2023. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
- ^ "David Gómez, el árbitro español en Tokio" (in Spanish). Marca. 25 July 2021. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
- ^ "European Water Polo Championships 2024 – Final Match Officials". LEN. Retrieved 5 August 2025.