What is the primary role of a referee in NCAA basketball?

The primary role of a referee in NCAA basketball is to enforce the rules of the game. Referees are responsible for ensuring that all players adhere to the established rules during gameplay, which includes calling fouls, violations, and reviewing plays as necessary. Their authority helps maintain a fair playing environment and protect the integrity of the game. By enforcing rules, referees contribute to the flow of the game and ensure that both teams have an equal opportunity to compete.

While coaching teams or improving player performance may be beneficial aspects of basketball, they are not roles assigned to referees. Similarly, keeping track of statistics is typically the responsibility of official scorekeepers or statistical teams rather than referees. Therefore, the central duty of a referee in NCAA basketball revolves around rule enforcement, making it essential for upholding the standards of the sport.