When may a referee change their decision?

The correct answer indicates that a referee may change their decision before play is terminated or restarted. This is grounded in the Laws of the Game, which allow for a referee to reconsider a decision as long as the ball is still in play and has not been restarted following a stoppage. This flexibility is vital to ensure that the match is conducted fairly and that any incorrect decisions can be rectified before continuing play, allowing for an accurate reflection of the events on the field.

Once the play is resumed, the referee’s decision is generally final unless there is an appeal from players or a significant oversight that warrants intervention. For instance, if a goal has been scored and the referee realizes there was an infringement that affected the play, they can address that prior to restarting the game with a kick-off. This rule fosters a more effective and just game environment.

Other scenarios, such as changing decisions after the match or during half-time, are not allowed within the standard framework of football officiating, as that could lead to confusion and potential unfair advantages. Likewise, simply responding to a player's request for clarification does not grant the authority to change a decision; the referee must recognize a tangible error or oversight to do so.