NFL referee lockout involved referees, not players. The referee may have one or two assistant referees. The referee is assisted by two assistant referees. There are three match officials&colon; a referee, and two assistant referees. The following is the list of officials to serve as referees and linesmen. Referees and coaches hats also had pink accents. U.S. Soccer sanctions referees and soccer tournaments for most soccer leagues in the United States. The teams have been accused of rigging games by selecting favourable referees. The league also assists in developing NFL referees. A handball match is adjudicated by two equal referees. Emirates is the sponsor for the World Rugby panel of international referees. Strickland has engaged in exchanges with fans, players, referees, and tournament officials. They are supported by a large team of assistant referees. Five referees, ten assistant referees, and six video assistant referees were appointed for the tournament. In October 2001, Owens was one of the first three Welsh Rugby Union professional referees.