Italian-Maltese refs' agreement signed

Pen was put to paper yesterday on an agreement reached some months ago between the Maltese and Italian aquatic federations and GUG (Gruppo Ufficiali di Gara), representing the waterpolo referees in the nearby peninsula.

Roberto Petronilli, GUG president and ex-international referee, and Nello Russo, a high official of FIN (Federazione Italiana Nuoto), were present for the signing of the protocol at a hotel in Sliema, attended by several Maltese referees and ASA officials.

The agreement will make it possible for Maltese referees to control matches in the Italian competitions and through this exposure they will be able to gain international experience. The ASA was represented by its president, Austin Sammut.

The landmark protocol stipulates that Maltese referees will initially take charge of matches in southern Italy, especially Sicily, and eventually be assigned duties in other parts of the country.

Addressing a press conference prior to the signing, Dr Sammut said that such a venture, which had been in the pipeline for some time, had also been possible through the encouragement of the Maltese association's honorary president Bertie Muscat.

"Challenging avenues will be opened for our referees and also for prospective ones. Our officials will also be able to extend their exposure in other countries. Seminars held abroad for referees and exchange visits will also be possible," Dr Sammut said.

The ASA president also stated that in future the possibility will be explored for Maltese club teams to take part in overseas tournaments or regional competitions, something that would help raise our standards.

Petronilli, Russo and Mario Dalli, on behalf of the Maltese referees, also addressed the press conference, expressing their satisfaction for such a breakthrough.

At the end, ASA secretary Remy D'Amato gave a brief overview of the 2010 waterpolo programme which will start in March and end in late September. Malta is due to play in the LEN 'B' Championships early in Spring in a group comprising Spain, Slovakia and Turkey.