Definitions

1. noun

A person who investigates or rules on the application of the rules in a particular activity, especially a sport.

“The referee acted as a penalist to decide on the fouls committed during the game.”

2. noun

A person who applies the rules of a particular activity, especially a sport, to decide on the validity of a player’s actions.

“The penalist made a crucial call to disallow the goal scored by the opposing team.”

3. noun

A person who enforces the rules of a particular activity, especially a sport.

“The coach argued with the penalist about the decision made during the match.”