Which statement about the roles of referees and coaches in maintaining game integrity is true?

The statement highlighting that both referees and coaches must adhere to regulations to ensure fair play is correct because it underscores the foundational principle of sportsmanship and integrity in soccer. Referees are responsible for enforcing the Laws of the Game, making impartial decisions based on those rules, while coaches must also follow these guidelines to foster an environment of fair play for their players. This mutual adherence ensures that the game is conducted within the established framework, promoting respect among players, officials, and spectators.

In this context, the idea that referees have more authority than coaches is true in that referees are the final authority on the field regarding the application of the rules. However, the essence of maintaining game integrity hinges on the shared responsibility of both roles. Coaches, while they cannot overrule referees, play a crucial role in teaching their players respect for the game and its officials, which supports the broader objective of fair play and integrity. The notion that referees can use personal judgment to enforce rules can be somewhat misleading; while referees do apply judgment in certain situations, it must always align with the established laws and regulations.