A judge's job is to play referee in court and (depending on the court) to determine whether alleged actions have contravened the law.
For once Faith didn't jump in and play referee, making sure that their old trio was still getting along.
"Come on, you two," Faith said, playing referee.
I planted my back against the door of a chandler's shop across the street and prepared to contribute to the fight by playing referee.
For the most part, the governor played referee and mediator between the two houses and the mayor.
Nothing is more distracting or dangerous than looking behind you to play referee, but kids often act up most when they know you're not paying attention.
Nor is the outrage of judges called upon to play referee when one side or the other tattles.
Part of his job is to play coach, referee and cheerleader to the supplicants who appear, at first blush, to meet Guinness's criteria.
I suppose I'll have to play referee again.
The contractor's changes to the architect's work may force the client to play referee.