Kick Your Way to Victory: 2025 Soccer Rules Practice Exam Extravaganza!

The primary function of the fourth official in a soccer match is to assist with substitutions and time management. This role involves managing the substitution process, ensuring that it is carried out according to the rules, and monitoring any additional time that may need to be added at the end of each half due to stoppages in play, such as injuries or time-wasting. The fourth official has a key role in maintaining the flow of the game, signaling when substitutions are to be made, and informing the main referee about any important information concerning the match.

The other options do not accurately represent the fourth official's responsibilities. While having a backup referee might seem logical, the primary duties of actually officiating the match in case of an emergency belong to the assistant referees or the main referee. Managing player discipline is primarily the responsibility of the main referee with the help of the assistant referees, rather than the fourth official. Evaluating referee decisions using video is a function associated with video assistant referees (VAR), which is separate from the duties of the fourth official.