A soccer referee is the official who oversees a soccer match. The majority of soccer referees work part-time for international games, while a select few work full-time for international games. Every game that the soccer referee oversees grants him or her complete authority to enforce any or all of the game’s rules. The soccer referee has the final say on any decision made during the game, including the final score.
One soccer referee and two assistant referees are present at every soccer match. A fourth official could preside over the game, though this is not common. The International Federation of Associated Football, or FIFA, established the right to use a fifth official for more important games, such as the World Cup final, in 2006.
Soccer referees wore blazers instead of uniforms during the 1950s. During the last 20 years, various leagues, such as the Premier League in the United Kingdom, have worn green, yellow, or black. Soccer referees can choose from five different colors in FIFA-sponsored international events: black, blue, green, red, and yellow.
The referee has a number of powers that they can use during the game. Referees have the authority to stop a soccer match at any time, either temporarily or permanently, if they believe the game’s rules have been broken. If a player is seriously injured and needs to be carried off the field for medical reasons, a soccer referee can temporarily stop play. In the case of a minor injury, the referee has the option of allowing play to continue unless the injury becomes more serious. The soccer referee has the authority to expel one or all members of a team from the surrounding area if they are playing or acting irresponsibly.
As the acting official for the soccer match, the soccer referee has a number of responsibilities, including enforcing the rules of the game as set forth the league’s governing body. Before each match, each referee must ensure that any soccer ball capable of being used for game play meets the league’s requirements. The referee is in charge of keeping time and controlling the flow of the game. Soccer referees did not use whistles until recently to signal the start or restart of play, as well as the stoppage of play due to injury, infringement, or halftime.