*       To enforce the Laws

*       To keep a record of the game and keep time

*       To ensure no unauthorized persons enter the field of play

*       To restart the match after stoppage

*       To decide on the fitness of the ball

*       To ensure that the players' equipment meets the requirements of Law 4

*       To report on the particulars of the game to the proper authorities

*       To control the match in cooperation with the assistant referees and the fourth official

*       To act on the advice of the assistant referees regarding incidents the referee has not been seen

*       To punish the most serious offense when a player commits more than one offense at the same time

*       To ensure that any player bleeding from a wound leaves the field of play

 The Referee's powers are:

*       To give the advantage if the offended team will benefit from it

*       Discretionary power to stop, suspend, or terminate the game

*       To take disciplinary action against players guilty of cautionable and sending-off offenses

*       To stop the game for any infringement

*       To stop the game for serious injury

*       To allow play to continue on slight injury

*       To ensure that coaches/team officials behave responsibly

*       To reverse or change a decision, but only if it was incorrect and the referee realizes this prior to play being restarted

What can the referee not do?
   Although the referee is empowered to terminate a match in the event of grave disorder, he/she has no power or right to decide that either team is the winner or loser.

  The referee's most important duty:
  To use good sense in controlling a game so that the players and spectators enjoy a fairly played game.

Duties of the Assistant Referee

 The Assistant Referee's Duties are to indicate:

*       When the whole of the ball has passed out of the field of play

*       Which side is entitled to a corner kick, goal kick or throw-in

*       When a player may be penalized for being in an offside position

*       When a substitution is requested

*       When misconduct or any other incident has occurred out of the view of the referee

*       To assist the referee to control the match in accordance with the Laws of the Game