What is the primary job of a hockey referee?

The primary job of a hockey referee is to enforce the rules and maintain order during the game. Referees are crucial in ensuring that the game is played fairly and safely, applying the rules consistently to all players. They make real-time decisions on penalties, goals, and other game-related infractions, helping to manage the flow of the game and ensuring that all players adhere to the established regulations. By doing this, referees help to promote a competitive environment while also protecting the players from unsafe play and misconduct.

The other options, while related to aspects of a hockey game, do not align with the fundamental responsibilities of a referee. Coaching strategies, tracking player statistics, and selecting game officials are roles typically assigned to coaches, statisticians, and league administrators, respectively. These roles focus on the development, management, or analysis of the game rather than directly regulating the conduct of play within it.