What should a referee do to maintain authority on the field?

To maintain authority on the field, a referee must consistently enforce the rules. This involves applying the laws of the game fairly and uniformly throughout the match, which helps establish the referee's credibility and shows players that standards will not be compromised. When players see that the rules are enforced without favoritism or inconsistency, they are more likely to respect the referee's decisions and the authority they represent.

Consistent enforcement not only helps to deter unsportsmanlike behavior but also fosters a sense of fairness among all participants, allowing the game to flow smoothly while maintaining discipline. This reliability reassures both players and spectators that the game is being officiated justly. In contrast, allowing players to resolve disputes could lead to chaos on the field, and ignoring minor incidents may escalate issues rather than defuse them. Additionally, limiting communication only to team captains can create misunderstandings and may alienate other players, undermining the referee's authority rather than reinforcing it.