What does the Referee do?

Under World Aquatics rules (Part Two, Article 2.3), the Referee:

• Has full control and authority over all technical officials, approves their assignments and briefs them on any special features of the events.
• Enforces all World Aquatics rules and decides any matter about the conduct of the competition not assigned to someone else.
• May intervene at any stage to make sure the rules are followed.
• Makes sure all necessary officials are at their posts, and may appoint extra officials or replace any who are absent, incapable or inefficient.
• Starts each race procedure with whistles and hands the swimmers to the Starter with an outstretched arm.
• Disqualifies swimmers for breaches the Referee sees or that other officials report.
• Determines placings when finish judges are used without automatic timing.
• Appoints officials to check relay take-offs.

At SSA championships, the Referee also receives written protests and, in a dispute, the Referee's decision is final.