Clifford Daypuyat: 'Gain knowledge from your mistakes'

 

      

A FIFA certified game official, Clifford Daypuyat is one of the experienced and well - respected football referee in the Philippines. Now making regular appearances in the international scene, the Dipolog native is on the verge of achieving greater heights in the next few years.  KICK OFF PH caught up with FIFA referee Clifford Daypuyat to to talk about how his journey as a referee started, how the game has changed, his long term goals, and more.

Before becoming a referee, did you also play football growing up?

Yes, I was a varsity player in college at Dipolog Medical Center College Foundation. I also played in the Weekend Football League with Laos FC.

 

When did you realize that you wanted to pursue refereeing as a career?

Honestly, refereeing has never crossed my mind during my playing days. Not until I finished college. It was my hometown friend, who at that time was a FIFA Referee, encouraged me to try it, then the interest came and developed progressively.

 

How did your journey as a football referee started?

I started refereeing at the age of 20, but not religiously. I was just officiating kids in my hometown, festivals, mini tournaments, etc. I became seriously involved when I was 23, where I've been chosen by PFF to be a Team Referee for the Philippine Under-15 Team in a tournament held in Osaka, Japan. Since then, I had been officiating in the various age groups and in the PFL.

 

After making a name in domestic football, you would become a FIFA certified referee in 2014. Can you share to us your  experience of officiating a big game?

In my own perception, any game is big whenever there are fans involve. The larger the crowd, the bigger the game becomes. The level of competition also contributes to its importance. There are plenty to mention, but one game that was significant to me is when I officiated the 2022 World Cup Qualifier match between Cambodia and Iraq in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in front of 50,000 fans.

It was an exhilarating experience, not just because of officiating in front of thousands of people but the competition itself. Growing up as a football enthusiast, the FIFA World Cup is world’s top football competition and having the opportunity to get involved in the World Cup qualifiers felt surreal.

 

     Since you began working as a referee, how has the game changed?

The rules are revised annually. FIFA or IFAB (International Football Association Board) has done significant revisions to the Laws of the Game to make the Laws clearer, more accessible, and to ensure they reflect the needs of the modern game at all levels. New technology is also getting involved like Goal Line Technology and Video Assistant Referee (VAR). It challenges not only the referees but also the players and team officials as well in applying the new amendments on the pitch.

 

What are the struggles that is part of your job that fans and other people cannot see?

Time management. I have another job other than officiating so it's always a challenge to allocate my time between work and training. As a referee, fitness is always our top priority aside from theoretical knowledge. Self-discipline is a key part in order to cope up the physical needs of modern football.

In your career as a referee, have you had a scathing remarks coming from fans or even players? 

It is part of officiating, whether local or abroad. I just put in my mind that in order to become a better official, we should overcome these types of experiences. It's all down to a positive mindset and to learn from it. It is part of our job, nothing is personal.

What was the toughest game you ever officiated?

My toughest match so far is when I officiated the semi-final match of the AFF U19 Tournament in Indonesia. The game was between hosts Indonesia vs. Malaysia in front of 20,000 fans. Matches between Malaysia and Indonesia, is one of the toughest rivalries in Southeast Asia regardless of age categories due to the intensity of the fans and the history of both teams. The game went well and was decided by Kicks from Penalty Mark (Penalty Shootout) ending with the away team claiming the victory.

I remembered that it took us at least 10 minutes to leave the pitch because the fans were angry and started throwing objects inside the field. We, together with the away team were safely escorted by the police until we got into a secure area.

How do you make good and fair decisions under extreme pressure with thousands or maybe even millions watching on TV?

Physical and Mental preparation. Thorough understanding of the Laws of the Game and proper implementation of the rules helps a lot with regards to making a good decision under pressure. Another important matter is teamwork and cooperation between the referees team also contributes to a boost in confidence inside the field of play.

What’s the best thing to do when you realize you made a mistake?

I stand by my decision and move on. In officiating, when you try to correct your decision that's already been made it means you made a mistake twice. Unless it was an obvious error that changes the game, for example a goal that has been scored or a red card, but as long as you are not restarting the match then you can change your decision whether by the help of other match officials or upon realizing it yourself.

You have officiated some great matches. How does a referee prepare for a big game? Do you follow strict program and a stricter lifestyle to keep your body and mind in the best shape possible?

Self-discipline is the key part to climb up the ladder in terms of officiating. Regarding match preparation, there are certain factors to be considered whenever I am appointed to officiate a match such as, who is the key player of both teams, the style of play or tactics, the team’s disciplinary stats and etc. By doing these, I already have an idea on both teams and it helps me and my team control the match accordingly.

 

How did you feel when you were part of the 12 Filipino referees shortlisted for FIFA 2018 International Referring list?

I felt privileged and honored. This is an achievement that me and my family can be proud of.

 

How important is your family in your career as referee?

My family has a very significant role especially in emotional aspects. In officiating, discouragement is inevitable, and they are the ones who cheers me up and keep on believing that I can achieve higher in my career. Credits also goes to my friends and mentors who kept on supporting me since day one. This is all for them.

 

In terms of officiating, what are your long term goals that you want to achieve as a referee?

I would like to dream big but stay realistic at the same. The World Cup will be the highest competition that a referee can ever achieve but I consider it as an impossible mission. For me to be able to officiate in the Asian Cup will be the benchmark of my officiating career.

 

What are your advice to our local referees out there especially those that are new in the profession?

Keep on learning. Never be afraid to officiate crucial and big games for that is the stage that can really uplift your confidence. It is okay to commit mistakes but make sure you gain knowledge from it. Last but not the least, I can say that there is a career for a referee in Philippine Football.