When do officials take authority over the game?

Officials take authority over the game 30 minutes prior to the scheduled game time to ensure that all pre-game responsibilities and protocols can be adequately addressed. This timeframe allows officials to conduct essential pre-game activities such as checking player equipment, confirming team rosters, overseeing the field conditions, and meeting with coaches to review rules and expectations. Taking authority at this point also emphasizes the officials’ role in maintaining order and control over the game environment, even before the match officially begins.

By having this structured time for pre-game activities, officials can establish the tone for the game and ensure that everything runs smoothly, which contributes to a well-organized and fair contest.