The Rules of Flat Track Roller Derby

9.3 - Referee Discretion

9.3.1 - The consensus of the referees will be the final decision on any disputed point that is not clearly spelled out in these rules. The referee may increase the severity of a penalty at their discretion. Similarly, the referee may decrease the severity of a penalty to a warning as the referee sees fit.

9.3.1.1 - A warning does not have to be issued in order for a penalty to be given. The exception to this is Out of Play Penalties for failure to reform and failure to return, before which warnings must be given. (See Section 6.10.6, Section 6.10.7, Section 6.10.12, Section 6.10.13, and Section 6.10.16 for exceptions.)

9.3.1.2 - Referee discretion is intended ONLY to allow referees to keep the game safe, fair, and consistent in the event that an unexpected situation arises. Discretion does not allow referees to change rules.

9.3.2 - If the referee is in doubt on a call, i.e., the referee sees the effects of a hit but does not see the action, a penalty must not be called.

9.3.3 - If the referee is in a position where intent must be inferred but is not clear, legal intent must be presumed.

9.3.4 - If the referee is not sure whether an action warrants a major or a no impact/no penalty, it must be called as no impact/no penalty.

9.3.5 - If the referee is not sure whether an action warrants an expulsion or a major, it must be called as a major.