The Arbiter's Realm

Today, an association football match is governed by a referee, who, according to Law 5 of the Laws of the Game, possesses "full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game in connection with the match." The referee is typically assisted by two assistant referees and, occasionally, a fourth official. In many amateur matches, teams may still provide their own partisan assistant referees (club linesmen) to indicate out-of-play situations, though their authority does not extend to offside decisions.^[5]

While all are commonly referred to as "referees," each official has a distinct title and set of responsibilities: the referee, head linesman (known as "down judge" in the NFL), line judge, umpire, back judge, side judge, and field judge. The modern XFL even includes an additional "ball judge" on the field, though this role does not carry the power to call penalties.^[7]

The main referee actively follows the play, possessing final authority on decisions such as fouls, throws, and card issuance, which are indisputable by players. Two linesmen assist by determining possession when the ball goes out of play and can advise the referee on off-the-ball incidents. Additionally, two umpires are positioned at each goal post, raising white flags for points or green flags for goals, and calling wides or square-balls. Umpires can also advise the referee on off-the-ball events, though with less authority than linesmen. Recent advancements include the use of 'Hawk-eye' technology to confirm points when officials are uncertain, though its availability is not widespread.^[9]

This pivotal event led to a change in rugby laws, mandating the presence of one referee and two touch judges at every game to streamline arbitration and enhance consistency in decision-making.^[11]>

To assist in the comprehensive application of the rules, the referee may be supported by one or two assistant referees, who help monitor play and ensure fair conduct.^[13]>

In international and college basketball, the primary official is designated as the referee, who is assisted by either one or two umpires. In contrast, the National Basketball Association (NBA) refers to the lead official as the "crew chief," with the other two officials being termed the "referee" and "umpire." Despite these differing titles, all officials in a basketball game are generally understood to possess equivalent authority, and are collectively known as the "officials" or "referees."^[15]>

The referee provides instructions to the fighters, initiates and halts the count when a competitor is knocked down, and ultimately determines when a fight must be stopped to prevent further harm to a boxer. They are often advised by a ringside doctor and an assistant referee. Fundamentally, the paramount concern and duty of a boxing referee is the safety of the fighters.^[17]>

The referee is responsible for determining all factual matters related to the rules, maintaining optimal playing conditions, identifying and calling fouls, and taking any other necessary actions as prescribed by the specific rules of the sport.^[19]>

These assistants include a timekeeper and a scorekeeper. In professional competitions, one or more delegates further assist the referees by ensuring that rules are strictly followed and that behavior within the technical area adheres to regulations. This multi-layered officiating structure, as outlined in the International Handball Association's Rules of the Game (August 1, 2005), underscores the commitment to fair and orderly play.^[22]>

A main referee actively follows the play, holding final authority on decisions such as fouls, throws, and card issuance, which are not subject to player dispute. Two linesmen assist by making decisions on ball possession when it goes out of play and can offer advice on off-the-ball incidents. Additionally, two umpires are stationed at each goal post, raising white flags for points or green flags for goals, and calling wides. Umpires can also advise the referee on off-the-ball events, though their authority is less than that of linesmen. For inter-county senior games and other significant matches, an eighth official, the "Sideline Official," manages substitution notes and displays the number of substituted players and additional time, akin to a soccer fourth official. Hawk-Eye technology is also available for confirming points when umpires and the referee are uncertain, though its widespread use is still developing.^[24]>

Some leagues may employ "assistant referees" who are granted expanded powers to call certain penalties. Beyond the on-ice crew, a comprehensive team of off-ice officials manages specific functions crucial to the game's operation. These include goal judges, penalty timekeepers, game timekeepers, statisticians, official scorers, and, at the highest professional echelons, instant replay officials, all contributing to the meticulous oversight of the game.^[26]>

The assistant referee alerts the main referee to out-of-bounds balls and fouls, and may undertake additional tasks as determined by the referee. When feasible, a timekeeper and scorer also contribute to the officiating team, ensuring accurate record-keeping and game flow.^[28]>

In a two-man crew, a Referee and an Umpire are utilized. For a three-man crew, a Referee, Umpire, and Field Judge are deployed, with the Referee always retaining the final ruling on all matters. For games of significant importance, a four-man crew may be employed, which includes the three-man crew augmented by a Chief Bench Official. This official holds jurisdiction over the bench area, including the timekeeper. Professional outdoor leagues in the United States commonly use four on-field officials to effectively manage the increased speed of play.^[30]>

The referee is also empowered to stop fights when a fighter is no longer able to intelligently defend themselves, thereby preventing further damage. They ensure that submissions are released after a tapout and intervene to separate fighters from an unconscious opponent. The referee receives advice from a ringside doctor and an assistant referee. The primary and overriding concern of an MMA referee is the safety of the fighters.^[32]>

The essential referees include a head referee, who oversees the entire game and holds final authority in disputes, and who also functions as an inside pack referee, following the main group of skaters from within the track to issue penalties. Two jammer referees are dedicated to following the two point-scoring players. Additional referees fill roles as a second inside pack referee and up to three outside pack referees, performing similar duties from outside the track and rotating to manage fatigue from the higher speeds required. Non-skating officials complete the team by recording points and penalties and ensuring skaters serve their time. Only team captains are permitted to discuss calls with the referees via the head referee. Referees are also responsible for verifying that skaters correctly wear all required safety equipment.^[34]>

This includes two or three water referees who are in the pool, a chief referee positioned on the deck, and at least one timekeeper and one scorekeeper. For highly contested matches, additional timekeepers may be utilized to track penalty times. A tournament referee serves as an arbiter for chief referees, while protests are adjudicated by a panel of at least three independent referees, ensuring impartiality and thorough review.^[36]>

The first referee, often informally called the "up referee," observes the action from a stand, providing a clear view above the net and looking down into the court, primarily focusing on actions involving the ball and the attacking team. The second referee, or "down referee," is positioned at floor level on the opposite side of the net, in front of the scorers' table, and typically judges errors committed by the defending team, such as net touches. The first referee maintains supervisory control over the entire match, fostering a cooperative environment with the second referee, line judges, and scorers. The second referee's duties are multifaceted, encompassing on-court responsibilities during play, collaboration with scorers, interaction with coaches and bench personnel, and in some collegiate competitions, handling challenge reviews.^[38]>

In this system, a referee actively conducts the action in the center of the mat, while a judge and a mat chairman remain seated, evaluating the action from their stationary vantage points. Collegiate wrestling, in contrast, typically utilizes a single referee in the center of the mat, or a head referee supported by an assistant.^[40]>

In reality, professional wrestling referees are integral participants in executing a match according to its predetermined outcome, as well as any other scripted events designed to occur during the match. They also serve as a vital communication link, acting as a conduit between the wrestlers in the ring and backstage officials throughout the duration of the match.^[42]>

Today, a fencing match is presided over by a referee. In the event of a double touch in foil and saber, the referee is responsible for awarding the point to the fencer who held the right of way during the final action. A typical bout involves one head referee and a video referee, and upon a fencer's request, two additional visual referees can be present to aid in decision-making.^[44]>

Referees for international events undergo specialized training by the ISU, and there are two distinct levels of referee: International Referee and ISU Referee, with ISU Referees holding a higher rank. In Synchronized Ice Skating, a dual-referee system is employed: one referee sits with the judges, operating a touchscreen computer to input deductions and mark skaters, while the other, known as the Assistant Referee – Ice (ARI), stands by the barrier where teams enter the ice. The ARI monitors ice conditions, communicates with the event Referee, and supervises the teams.^[46]>

The referee, known as a gyōji (行司), oversees the pre-match rituals and the bout itself, including ruling on the winner and the winning technique. Five judges, called shōbu shimpan (勝負審判), are seated ringside. All officials wear traditional Japanese attire, with higher-ranked gyōji donning elaborate silk outfits inspired by ancient Japanese clothing, and judges wearing traditional men's kimonos. If one of the judges disagrees with the gyōji's decision, all judges confer to determine the winner. Tradition dictates that if a decision by one of the two top-ranked gyōji is overturned, they are expected to tender their resignation, though the Chairman of the Japan Sumo Association typically rejects it. Beyond their officiating duties, gyōji also preside over various religious and traditional ceremonies. In amateur sumo competitions, sanctioned by bodies like the International Sumo Federation, the roles of referee and judges remain consistent with professional sumo, but the religious and traditional elements are removed. Amateur sumo referees wear a distinct all-white uniform with a black bowtie, resembling Western boxing referees.^[48]>