What is the primary role of the center referee in a soccer match?

The primary role of the center referee in a soccer match is to enforce the laws of the game. This responsibility encompasses a variety of functions including making decisions on fouls, issuing yellow and red cards for misconduct, and ensuring that the game is played fairly and safely according to the established rules. The center referee serves as the ultimate authority on the field, with the purpose of maintaining order and upholding the integrity of the match. By making calls regarding offside positions, goal kicks, corner kicks, and other aspects of play, the center referee actively contributes to the flow and fairness of the game. Additionally, the center referee is responsible for managing the overall conduct of the match, which is vital in ensuring that players adhere to the rules and that the spirit of the game is respected.

Other options, while they may seem relevant to aspects of the game, do not accurately reflect the primary function of the center referee. Supporting players with advice on strategy or coaching teams falls outside the referee's impartial role, while keeping score is typically managed by the timekeeper or scorekeeper, not the referee.