Usually, a soccer match is officiated by a team of three referees, consisting of a referee and two assistant referees (sometimes called linesmen).
The referee is responsible for enforcing the laws of the game, making decisions, and carrying out disciplinary actions when necessary.
The two assistant referees assist the referee by indicating when the ball has gone out of play, which team should have possession of the ball for throw-ins or corner kicks, and when an offside offense occurs.
In some high-level matches, there may be additional assistant referees or a fourth referee who manages substitutions and other administrative duties.