4.1 Referee
4.1.1. For every competition as a whole a referee is appointed, usually with one or more deputies who can act on his behalf. The referee or an authorized deputy must be present in the playing hall throughout play, to decide any question of rule interpretation, on which he is the sole authority, and generally to ensure that the competition is conducted in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations.
4.1.2. Where the referee is the sole arbiter, such as in allowing a temporary suspension of play for injury or disqualifying a player for misbehavior, he must act consistently and avoid any suspicion of partiality to particular players. In major competitions it is recommended that the referee and his deputies be from different Associations, so that there is always a “neutral” official to adjudicate in a dispute.
4.1.3 The referee is responsible for the appointment of match officials. Although he will not normally make such appointments himself he must be satisfied that the officials are competent and that they act fairly and consistently. He should explain to the umpires, in his pre-tournament briefing, how he expects laws and regulations to be applied, especially where any of these are new or might be contentious.
4.1.4. The players are under the jurisdiction of the referee from the time at which they arrive at the playing venue until the time at which they leave it.