The referee's authority starts when the teams are warming up on the field and continues while play is stopped for any reason and through any tie-breaking procedures
The referee's authority ends when the game is completely over and the teams have left the field.
The Referee:
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Enforces the Laws of the Game
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Keeps the official time of the game
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Stops play if there is a serious injury
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Stops play if a player is guilty of a foul or misconduct
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Prevents anyone from coming onto the field unless the referee says it is OK
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Requires a player to leave the field if a player is bleeding or has blood on the uniform
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Makes sure the field, the ball, and the player equipment are safe and legal
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Suspends or terminates a match if needed
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Provides the official report of the game
A referee can:
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Require a coach or team official to leave the field if their behavior is not proper (a card is not shown)
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Decide not to stop play even if there is a foul or misconduct if stopping play would help the team that committed the foul or misconduct (this is called "applying the advantage")
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Decide not to call any foul or misconduct if the referee decides that the action is trifling (not important, does not have a serious effect on play)
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Decide to let play continue if an injury is not serious
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Caution a player or substitute by showing a yellow card
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Send a player or a substitute from the field by showing a red card
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Make decisions using information from an assistant referee
