.   Interview with Mariano Debono Date of Birth: 23rd August 1974 Status: Married Residence: Mellieha Hobbies: Reading biographies especially of football players Describe yourself? Meticulous Favourite Sport: Football Favourite Food: White meat is my favourite dish Favourite Music: Modern Music Favourite Country: Italy, especially the country side and typical Italian villages What is your job? Mitts - Technical Services Administrator Who or what made you interested in starting referring? From a young age I always admired the middle man, and argued with friends always supporting the referee’s decisions. When did you become a referee? In year 2000 Which was your first match? I do not remember the teams, but it was at the Zebbug Ground. I also remember that Mr. Richard Casha was appointed as match inspector. Who is your favourite foreign referee? I do not follow any particular referee. When I watch a match, I try to observe all the match officials and evaluate their good qualities.   Which was your memorable match? Last year in 20th September as Assistant Referee in the Premier Division Lija Athletics vs Valletta FC. The other match officials were Mr. Adrian Azzopardi Referee, Mr Kevin Azzopardi 4th Official and Mr. Joe Camillieri as Assistant Referee. This was my first appointment in the Premier Division and so it is an appointment I will always remember. How do you take criticism? I analyze in depth every single match report received from the Match Inspectors. In my opinion constructive criticism helps an individual to strengthen his personality and is a building block on his qualities. It makes me work harder to improve and meet my targets. What about your future? I prepare for every match appointed to, seriously, both physically and mentally. . Naturally as with everyone else my ambition is to get to the top. Do you consider the public respect you as referees? In general yes, all the people involved in the football sector know that it requires a lot of dedication and hard work to keep a good level of referreing. What about your family’s reactions? My wife supports me a lot. How do you prepare yourself before a match? When you are involved in the referreing sector and you look at this career in a professional manner, your lifestyle must change and you need to adapt. Good nutrition, a lot of time for physical training, attend and participate in the instructional meetings etc. It is a commitment which needs to be followed throughout the whole year, not just when an appointment is received. Would you encourage others to join?  Yes, refereeing gives you a lot of satisfication. Also along the way you meet interesting people. Before coming on board one must be prepared for a lot of dedication, hard work and commitment.