Referees

Any corrections to be made to the score fall under the authority of the referee. If a judge sees an error on the score, the judge must bring it to the attention of the referee. In most cases, a discussion between the referee and judges should not be required. The referee may stop the contest, if necessary, and correct the error. At no time should judges interact directly with timekeepers or scorekeepers. This task is under the authority of the referee.

The referee and judges have complete jurisdiction over the competition area. Any photographers, spectators, additional coaches, or other competitors must be removed from the immediate competition area. Failure by a referees to do so shows a lack of control over their domain. Competitors should never be allowed to adjust their uniform without the referee's permission. A competitor who does so is infringing on the referee's authority. Referees should avoid any conversation with the competitors unless it is to explain a penalty or to establish whether an injury exists.

Only the referee can stop a bout. The referee may terminate or temporarily stop a match: 

• If one of the fighters has sustained an injury rendering him or her unable to continue
• To admonish, administer a warning or disqualify a fighter who fails to follow or violates the rules.
• In the event of a knockdown, to suspend a count if a fighter refuses to go to or deliberately fails to remain in the neutral corner indicated by the referee.
• To consult with the ringside physician.
• To adjust equipment.
• To seek advice.