A referee is someone who ensures the rules of the sport are upheld and that everyone plays fairly. A referee in most sports has the assistance of other officials such as assistant referees, linesmen, or umpires depending on the sport and its rules.
An open water or swimming pool referee is someone responsible for ensuring that the FINA rules or the rules of the race director are adhered to. Referees observe the starts, turns, finishes, and conduct of the swimmers in the race. They stand at buoys, escort boats, or the deck. Referees refer a rule violation to the marshals for a warning, a penalty card, or for disqualifying someone if a rule violation exists, e.g., a stroke violation or interference. Referees enforce the rules to keep the race fair and the swimmers safe. Their decisions keep the race fair and secure for all.
