What does "conveniently" mean in terms of referee discretion?

The term "conveniently" in the context of referee discretion refers to the idea that referees possess the autonomy to use their judgment when interpreting and enforcing the rules of the game. This flexibility is crucial because soccer matches can present unique situations that may not be explicitly detailed in the rulebook. Referees are trained to assess the context of plays, consider factors such as the intensity of the match, the behavior of players, and the spirit of fair play, allowing them to make decisions that best suit the unfolding events on the field.

This discretion enables referees to apply rules in a way that reflects the dynamic nature of the game, ensuring that decisions can account for nuances that a strict adherence to every rule might overlook. For example, a referee might choose to issue a warning instead of a card for a minor infraction in the interest of maintaining the flow and spirit of the game, without compromising the overall enforcement of the rules.