.   Interview with Ivana Salerno Date of Birth: 13 July 1988 Status: Single Residence: Birzebbugia Hobbies: Surfing the net Favourite food: Pasta Favourite music: House and R’n’b When did you become a referee? I was always interested in becoming a referee but it was only five months ago that I plucked up enough courage to sit for the course. Which was your first match? I acted as assistant in a Youth match between Pembroke and Ghaxaq won by the latter 3-1. Who is your favourite foreign referee? Pier Luigi Collina and Anders Frisk who has just retired. What about your future? If I take things seriously I have every chance of progressing. I must be patient and this will help me succeed. Does the public respect females as referees? Well, not as much as they should They still think that females cannot control a match. This has improved in recent months especially as Esther Farrugia has been promoted to run the line in the Premier Division. What about your family’s reactions? My mother discouraged me as she said that football and especially refereeing was a man’s sport. The rest of my family helped me and encouraged me not to be afraid and to take the necessary decisions in a match. They urged me not to let any insults from spectators to influence me. Would you encourage others to join? Yes certainly but only if they are interested and determined enough. I would also like to see more female referees join the Malta Football referees Association.