Which official is likely responsible for ensuring a match runs smoothly?

The main umpire of the match plays a crucial role in ensuring that the game runs smoothly. This official is tasked with enforcing the rules of netball, making crucial decisions on fouls, and maintaining the flow of the game. The main umpire must stay attentive to both teams, ensure player safety, and manage any disputes that arise during the match. Their authority extends to making calls that keep the game orderly and fair, which is essential for an uninterrupted match experience.

While other roles, such as the coach, the reserve umpire, and the lead scorer, contribute to the overall functioning of a netball match, they do not have the same level of responsibility concerning game management. The coach focuses on strategy and team performance, the reserve umpire is there to step in if needed but is not actively officiating the match, and the lead scorer is responsible for keeping track of the points scored, not the regulation of the game itself.