What should a referee do if players are fighting during the game?

When players are fighting during a game, the referee has a responsibility to ensure the safety and fairness of the match. Stopping play and separating the players is the appropriate course of action because it protects all individuals involved, including players, officials, and spectators.

By halting the game, the referee can intervene directly to diffuse the situation, which may involve either separating the players or addressing the issue with disciplinary actions afterwards. This action maintains control of the match and helps to prevent further escalation of violence.

Allowing players to resolve the situation themselves or permitting a timeout can lead to the conflict escalating further, as it leaves the players to handle a volatile situation without authority intervention. Calling in security might be necessary in extreme cases, but it should not be the first step taken by the referee; their primary role is to manage the game and players directly. Thus, stopping play and separating the players is the most immediate and effective way to address fighting during a game.