What is the primary responsibility of a referee during a match?

The primary responsibility of a referee during a match is to enforce the Laws of the Game and ensure fair play. This encompasses a wide range of duties that go beyond simply making calls for fouls or violations. The referee must maintain control of the match, ensure that all rules are followed, and create an environment where players can compete fairly and safely.

By enforcing the Laws of the Game, the referee also plays a critical role in upholding the integrity of the sport, making decisions about the legitimacy of plays, awarding penalties, and addressing misconduct. This responsibility requires a thorough understanding of the rules as well as the ability to make quick, fair decisions under pressure.

While managing substitutions and making foul calls are parts of a referee's duties, these tasks fall under the broader category of enforcing the game’s laws and maintaining fair play. Coaching players, on the other hand, is not part of a referee's role, as it can conflict with impartiality and the objective nature required during a match.