Luigi Lamonica: 'It is impossible to referee a game without a mistake' / News - Basketnews.com

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In an interview with marca.com, legendary Italian referee, Luigi Lamonica talked about the pressure he faced as a referee, the most memorable moments of his career, his future plans now that he’s retired, and more.

When asked about how he managed to be an elite referee for so long, Lamonica, who retired after this previous season, emphasized that it is important to have fun and passion.

"I think the important thing is passion. Until the last game, I've always had fun," said the Italian.

"I have never thought of refereeing as a job even though it has been in the last few years of my career. For me it has always been a hobby," continued Lamonica.

"That may be the secret that has allowed me to spend so many years at such a high level," added Lamonica.

The Italian referee when asked what is next, revealed now that his career is over, he will try to help young referees to learn and improve.

"I hope to stay in this area. When I started I had many very good colleagues who helped me with their experience and now is the time for me to pass on mine," Lamonica explained.

"I hope I can convey something to the young referees. It's my goal," added Lamonica.

Lamonica has also talked about mistakes and how to live with them and learn from them.

"It is a fundamental part of a referee's job to look at their own games and try to see why we made a mistake," explained the Italian.

Lamonica emphasized that it is important to understand why the mistake happened so that it can be maybe avoided the next time.

"We know that it is impossible to referee a game without making a mistake," said Lamonica. "The important thing is that if we know that we have made it, we must study it and understand the reason."

The legendary referee gave some examples of why mistakes could be happening in different situations.

"It could be our position on the pitch or not having our eyes on the right spot, we are probably following the ball when it is far away and missing what is happening up close," Lamonica explained.

Lamonica, when asked why referees are criticized so much thought of referees as an easy target, and an easy excuse for why would someone lose.

"It is easy to criticize a referee, we have no way to defend ourselves," said Lamonica. "It is easier to criticize a referee. In this way, they unload their responsibilities on a third party, and the defeat in a game is justified."

The Italian has also revealed his favorite courts in EuroLeague to work at.

"Refereeing in Tel Aviv is a very good feeling because it is a very hot and correct field. And in Kaunas, the same. The public there knows basketball," said Lamonica. "You realize that you have to do your best if you want to shine because they know the rules very well," added Lamonica.

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