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  Interview with Clayton Pisani
Date of Birth:
31st July 1978

Status:
Single

Residence:
Iklin

Hobbies:
Playing 5 a side football and tennis

Describe yourself?
I’m very outgoing person and enjoy every moment in life. I’m always ready to help others and learn from them.

Favourite food:
Chinese duck with pancakes

Favourite music:

Depends when, at home relaxing soundtracks and soft rock, while out more commercial music.

What is your job?
Physical Education teacher at Zebbug Primary School

When did you become a referee?
June 1995

Which was your first match in premier division?
Hamrun vs Pieta 29th August 2003

Which was your first match as a referee?
Mosta Ground assistant referee under 19 Mosta vs Qormi 1st march1995.

Who is your favourite foreign referee?
Anders Frisk who has just retired

Which was your memorable match?
Most memorial match was Sliema vs Hibernians which ended up season 2004/2005 on Sunday 8th May.

How do you take criticism?
Criticism could be healthy. I’ m open to constructive criticisms which will help me gain knowledge of the game, improve and get better. Criticism which is obviously destructive I just ignore.

What about your future?
I take life step by step, match by match, and season by season. The more I gain experience, the more I learn and mature as a referee, one can never say that one knows enough. I believe that in order to achieve long term goals it’s of utmost importance to be consistent in our local league. Well, once being a premier division referee the next step would that of becoming an international referee.

Do you consider the public respect you as referees?
The majority of the public respect us as referees. Even though when we are officiating supporters, players, coaches protest it doesn't mean that they don’t respect us. People who are into sport know the sacrifices and commitments we referees have, like players and coaches.

What about your family’s reactions?
My family gives me full support and follows me a lot. Sometimes my mum and sister are worried that something might turn wrong during a match, however when I arrive home they are pleased. On the other hand my father and brother are very enthusiastic about football and always try to give me good tips to improve my refereeing. It’s thanks to them, for their commitment, encouragement and understanding, I m a referee today.

How do you prepare yourself before a match?
Preparation is always the same because it’s vital to be focused for every match, whether it’s a 3rd division match or a Premier match. Preparation should be through the whole season by training intensively with our coach on the physical side and gym work on my own. When I have a match I try to sleep well the night before, while on match day I eat light food and relax by listening to some music.

Would you encourage others to join?
I would encourage others to become referees, because apart from a career I consider refereeing as a worthwhile experience. It helps you a lot in life by getting to know different people from different backgrounds while in a sportive environment. Refereeing helps youngsters to become even more disciplined and grow up in a healthy atmosphere.