A referee is appointed to officiate each game. Authority and exercise of the powers granted to him by the laws of the game commence as soon as he enters the field.

Duties of Referee

The referee shall enforce the laws and decide any disputed points; refrain from penalising in case where he is satisfied that, by doing so he would be giving an advantage to the offending team. He keeps a record of the game, act as timekeeper and allow the game for full or agreed time adding there to all time lost through accident or other cause.

The referee have discretionary power to stop the game for any infringement of the laws and to suspend or terminate the game whenever by reasons of the elements, interference by spectators or other cause, he deems such stoppage necessary. If any player behaves in a displeased manner, the referee can suspend him from further participation in the game. In both the cases he call submit a detailed report to the competent authority within the stipulated time. The referee cannot allow anybody other than the players and linesmen to enter the field without his permission.

He can stop the game if a player has seriously injured and immediately resume the game as soon as the player is removed from the field. He can send off the field any player who is guilty of violent conduct, serious foul play or the use of foul and abusive language. 

Linesmen

Two linesmen are appointed, whose duty is to indicate when the ball is out of play, which side is entitled to the corner kick, goal-kick or throw-in and when a substitution is desired. They also assist the referee to control the game in accordance with the laws. The linesmen should be equipped with flags by the club on whose ground the match is played.