What is essential for maintaining fairness during the match?

Maintaining fairness during a match is primarily reliant on the consistency from the first referee. The first referee is responsible for enforcing the rules of the game and making critical decisions that can affect the flow and outcome of the match. When the referee applies the rules consistently, it ensures that all players and teams are held to the same standard, reducing feelings of bias or favoritism. Consistency helps in building trust between players and officials, as athletes can rely on the fact that the same rules will be applied throughout the match, regardless of the situation.

In contrast, while vigilance from the coaching staff and feedback from players may contribute to a positive environment, they do not directly influence the enforcement of rules during play. Likewise, flexibility in rules can lead to confusion and uncertainty, undermining the integrity of the game. Therefore, consistency from the first referee stands out as the most crucial element in ensuring that all players compete on a level playing field.