What authority does the referee have during a soccer match?

The authority of the referee during a soccer match encompasses various responsibilities, of which enforcing the Laws of the Game and ensuring fair play is paramount. This role is crucial because the referee is tasked with maintaining the integrity of the match by applying the established rules consistently and impartially. By upholding these laws, the referee helps create a safe and fair environment for all players, coaches, and spectators involved in the game.

This focus on enforcing the rules directly contributes to the flow of the match and helps in minimizing disputes among players. The referee's decisions regarding fouls, penalties, and game interruptions directly influence the conduct of the game, ensuring that players adhere to the standards expected in competitive soccer.

Other options, while relevant to aspects of officiating, do not fully encompass the overarching authority and responsibility of the referee in the context of a match. For instance, while providing guidance on sportsmanship is important, it is not the core function of the referee's authority. Similarly, negotiating officiating decisions is not within the referee's role; their decisions are made independently based on the game's laws. The timing of stoppage is also managed through prescribed signals, and although the referee does have authority over stoppage time, it is primarily guided by the flow of the game