When should a referee stop play for an injury?

Stopping play for an injury is a critical decision that ensures the safety and well-being of the players. The correct choice, which indicates that a referee should stop play when a player is visibly injured, underscores the importance of recognizing the signs of injury during a match.

A referee's primary focus is the safety of the players on the field. If a player is visibly injured, whether they are in pain, unable to continue, or displaying any signs of distress, the referee has a responsibility to halt play immediately. This action allows for medical assistance to be rendered as needed and helps to prevent further injury. It demonstrates the referee’s duty of care toward the players.

The other options either provide insufficient criteria for stopping play or do not pertain directly to player safety. For instance, stopping play only for severe injuries would neglect instances where a visibly injured player may still be at risk. Similarly, a request for water does not constitute a medical emergency and should be addressed at an appropriate stoppage. Lastly, stopping play only when the ball is out of play would ignore the urgent need for player safety if an injury occurs during active play. Thus, recognizing and acting upon visible injuries is essential for a referee’s role in maintaining a safe sporting environment.