Referee: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

In some sports, a referee is a person who has authority to make decisions about play.

Origin

The term referee originated in football (soccer). Originally the team captains would consult with each other in order to resolve any dispute on the pitch. Eventually this role was delegated to an umpire. Each team would bring their own partisan umpire allowing the team captains to concentrate on the game. Later, the referee, a third "neutral" official was added. The referee would be "referred to" if the umpires could not resolve a dispute. The referee did not take his place on the pitch until 1891, when the umpires became linesmen (now assistant referees). Today, in many amateur football matches, each side will still supply their own partisan assistant referees (still commonly called club linesmen) to assist the neutral referee appointed by the governing football association.

Main article: Referee (football).

An association football (soccer) match is presided over by a referee, whom the Laws of the Game give "full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game in connection with the match to which he has been appointed" (Law 5). The referee is assisted by two assistant referees and possibly by a fourth official.

In cricket, the match referee is an off-field official who only makes judgments concerning the reputable conduct of the game and hands out penalties for breaches of the ICC Cricket Code of Conduct. On-field decisions relevant to the play and outcome of the game itself are handled solely by on-field umpires.

FIBA is the worldwide federation of Basketball referees.

The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) started the first International Tennis referees.

Referees wear clothing to distinguish themselves from the players. In some sports referees must change to a contrasting uniform if they discover that they resemble the field players. In others, the teams avoid wearing uniforms that resemble the clothing used by officials.

Examples:

• Association Football Referee
• Ice hockey referee

See also: Referee assault

Refereeing can also refer to the process of Peer review.