What should players do before the start of a match?

Players participating in a match should engage in a pre-match handshake and shake hands with match officials as an essential part of sportsmanship and respect within the game. This practice fosters a spirit of camaraderie and respect between both teams and acknowledges the role of the officials in managing the match. By shaking hands, players demonstrate good sportsmanship, which is a cornerstone of competitive play and helps set a positive tone for the match. It also reinforces the values of fair play and mutual respect, which are critical in all sports, including soccer. This gesture is a tradition in many sports and encapsulates the idea that, regardless of the competition, players can acknowledge each other's efforts and the authority of the game officials.

While warming up individually, reviewing strategies with coaches, and discussing tactics with opponents may also be beneficial activities, they do not carry the same level of significance in promoting sportsmanship and mutual respect as the pre-match handshake does. Each of these other actions serves different purposes, but they do not specifically contribute to the establishment of respect and camaraderie before a match.