Skiljedomar

Skiljedomar is a Swedish term used to refer to an official who officiates a competitive game or match. The word is formed from skilja, meaning to separate or distinguish, and domare, meaning referee or judge. The plural skiljedomar describes multiple officials involved in enforcing rules and making judgement calls during a game. The term is most commonly found in Swedish-language sports contexts and can denote referees or umpires entrusted with administering the competition.

In practice, skiljedomar are responsible for applying the rules, signaling fouls or penalties, starting and stopping play, and ensuring order on and around the field or arena. They may also determine outcomes of disputed plays that require judgement and communicate rulings to players, coaches, and authorities. In many contemporary sports, skiljedomar work alongside other officiating roles, such as linjedomare (linesmen) or huvuddomare (head referee), and may use video review or additional officials to confirm close decisions.

The specific duties and authority of skiljedomar can vary by sport and level of competition. In some contexts, the term is used more in formal or historical language, while in everyday speech the general term domare is common. Nevertheless, skiljedomar denotes officials whose primary function is to separate, distinguish, and render authoritative rulings within a game.

See also: domare, ishockeydomare, fotbollsdomenare.