True or False? Referees should only react to what they see at the end of the play.

Referees should generally not limit their reactions solely to what they see at the end of a play. Instead, they are trained to maintain an overview of the entire play as it develops. This approach allows referees to make informed decisions based on the dynamic nature of the game, which includes observing player positioning, movements, and potential infractions that may occur throughout the play, not just at its conclusion.

There are often critical factors that may influence the play and decisions that happen before the play finishes, such as fouls, violations, or illegal behavior that may take place in the lead-up to scoring or stopping play. By focusing only on the end result, referees might miss important observations that are essential for enforcing the rules accurately and fairly. Thus, it is vital for officials to keep their awareness and focus throughout the entirety of each play. This mindset enables them to correctly interpret and adjudicate the game, ensuring that fairness and adherence to the rules are upheld throughout.