What is a primary responsibility of the referee during a match?

The primary responsibility of the referee during a match is to make decisions regarding fouls and gameplay. This role is essential to maintain the flow of the game and ensure that the rules established by the governing body of soccer are followed. The referee is tasked with interpreting the laws of the game, determining if fouls have occurred, and assessing the appropriate penalties or disciplinary actions that need to be taken. This may include issuing yellow or red cards for misconduct, calling fouls, awarding free kicks or penalty kicks, and managing the overall conduct of the match.

Referees are trained to make quick, fair, and impartial decisions that guide the game's progression and protect the players' safety. Their authority on the field helps maintain order and enforces the rules, allowing the game to be played fairly and competitively. The other choices involve roles that are not part of a referee's duties; coaching, setting strategy, or scoring goals are responsibilities associated with players and coaches, not officials.