If a beach ball interferes with the play and prevents a goal from being scored, what should the referee do?

In the scenario where a beach ball interferes with play and prevents a goal from being scored, the correct action for the referee is to award the goal. This is based on the principle that if an outside interference (in this case, the beach ball) disrupts the play in a way that prevents a legitimate goal from being scored, the referee must take into account the intent and outcome of the play. Since the attacking team was in a position to score and the interference occurred during that very moment, the goal is acknowledged as valid because the offense was committed by an external object rather than the players on the field.

In this instance, awarding the goal recognizes the attacking team's advantage and rewards them for their offensive effort, despite the unexpected interference. It reflects the rules of the game that prioritize the integrity of play and fairness, ensuring that the actions of external factors do not unjustly penalize the team making a legitimate scoring attempt.

The alternative actions suggested by the other options would not align with the established rules and the context of the play, where a legitimate scoring opportunity was interrupted by an external object rather than by a foul or rule violation within the game itself.