What must the referee establish as part of their pre-match duties?

During the pre-match duties, it is vital for the referee to establish the ground rules for the match. This involves outlining how the specific match will be conducted, including any unique rules that may apply to the competition, the venue, or the context of the match. Clarifying these ground rules helps ensure that players, coaches, and officials are all on the same page regarding the expectations for play, which is essential for maintaining fair play and the integrity of the game.

Establishing ground rules can cover aspects such as the scoring system, service order, player substitutions, and any specific interpretations of the rules that may need to be highlighted for that particular match. By doing this beforehand, the referee minimizes confusion and creates a smoother playing experience for everyone involved.

The other choices do not pertain directly to the essential pre-match duties expected of the referee. Referees typically do not need to form a team of complementary referees as part of their pre-match duties since one official usually oversees the match. Assessing the skill levels of each team is not a referee's responsibility; their focus is on enforcing the rules rather than evaluating teams. Similarly, recording players' heights and weights is not a standard pre-match requirement; the emphasis is on rules rather than player