Noun

Singular referee

Plural referees

referee (plural referees)

1. (sports) An umpire or judge; the official who makes sure the rules are followed during a game

   • 'The referee kicked Jim out of the game for fighting.'

2. A person who settles a dispute
3. A person who writes a letter of reference for someone

   • 'Your application, along with letters from three referees, should be received by January 31.'

4. An expert who judges the manuscript of an article or book to decide if it should be published

A referee has authority to make decisions about play in many sports. Officials in various sports are known by a variety of titles, including referee, umpire, judge, linesman, commissaire, timekeeper or touch judge.

Origin

The term referee originated in association football. Originally the team captains would consult with each other in order to resolve any dispute on the pitch. Eventually this role was delegated to an umpire. Each team would bring their own partisan umpire allowing the team captains to concentrate on the game. Later, the referee, a third "neutral" official was added, this referee would be "referred to" if the umpires could not resolve a dispute. The referee did not take his place on the pitch until 1891, when the umpires became linesmen (now assistant referees). Today, in many amateur football matches, each side will still supply their own partisan assistant referees (still commonly called club linesmen) to assist the neutral referee appointed by the governing football association.

Examples

Australian rules football

An umpire is an official in the sport of Australian rules football. Games are overseen by one to three field umpires, two boundary umpires, and two goal umpires.

Baseball and softball

In baseball and softball, the umpire is the person(s) charged with officiating the game. Multiple umpires—usually two, three or four, but sometimes six for championship games—are typically assigned to a game.