This week I bring to you another profile of one of the local international water polo referees. After looking at messrs. Mario Dalli, Peter Balzan, Ivan Sciriha and Alex Deraffaele, it is now the turn of seasoned referee Mr. Miro Caruana.

I have followed water polo since a very young age and still remember Miro playing at his level.

After a couple of years, I saw him again, this time whistling on the referees’ catwalk.

In the past years, Miro has refereed certain important matches and is another important element in the top waterpolo referees pool, apart from also receiving a number of international appointments.

As his colleagues, it takes a lot of self-dedication and sacrifice to referee, especially locally where one faces the same teams week in, week out.

Name: Miro Caruana

Place of Residence: Zebbug

Date of Birth: 11 May 1961.

Age: 43

Height: 5’ 11’’

Weight: 80 kgs

Marital status: married

Children: two boys, Andrea and Mattia

Languages spoken: Italian, English, German and Maltese

Professional occupation: Salesman

Hobbies: Swimming and fishing

Favourite food: All that could be classified under Italian cuisine

Favourite sports to watch other than water polo: Ice Hockey and top football and basketball.

Referee since: 1989

First game ever refereed: An under 15 game, Barracudas vs. Sliema

National league referee since: 1990

First Division game ever refereed: during the first edition of the winter league in 1993.

FINA/LEN referee since: 1997 LEN, 1998 FINA

Career highlights: As an international referee I remember my adventure in Israel in 2001, whilst locally I remember one game in particular, namely Sirens vs. Neptunes which ended 11-10. This match had all the elements, ingredients and drama of a high calibre water polo game. I believe that I came out with flying colours after this encounter.

What is your background in water polo?

I played water polo since I was 10 years old with the Valletta Makku team which Mr. ‘Budgie’ Dowling had created for us. In 1980 I joined Barracudas and played for six years with them. Then I joined Valletta again for one year but then subsequently went back with Barracudas where I kept on playing till 1994.

Why did you decide to become a referee?

After a long time in the game I decided to stay in its environment by trying out to become a referee, also with the subconscious aim to achieve the goal of representing oneself and my country in this sport abroad, that is international water polo.

Training regime:

Watching a lot of games and trying to ref as much as possible including friendly matches.

How difficult is it to juggle a refereeing career with a professional working career? :

My superiors at work are also involved in water polo and thus can easily understand my needs and requests for time off to fly abroad for some international appointment or in order to ref locally.

What is the toughest part of refereeing?

Not being able to see completely what is going on in the pool, between the players, as much as I ideally wish to do.

What is the most enjoyable part?

Finishing a game with a just and fair result and being congratulated by both the winner and the loser.

What do you hate about refereeing?

Players and coaches who continually contest every decision taken by the referee, as well as certain supporters who seem to possess no real knowledge of the game.

Influential people in your sports career:

During my playing days I have to metion Mr. Verner Stratkemper, an ex-Valletta coach who really believed in me. As a referee, I have to make a mention of the late ‘Il-Morning’, for showing me as well as to many others how to respect and in turn be respected.

What type of person (character-wise) makes a good referee?

One who has a strong character and is capable to take quick decisions in our very fast moving sport.

Career/ best moment in water polo:

Winning a second division title with Barracudas and then later becoming international referee.