Final answer:
The referee should enforce the rules of the game, which may involve penalizing the offending team for allowing suspended individuals to participate. Formal sanctions are crucial for maintaining the integrity and fairness of sports competitions.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a referee is notified during a game that players or team officials who have previously received a suspension are participating without having served their required suspension time, the referee has the authority to enforce the rules of the game, which often include formal sanctions for such violations. This may involve penalizing the offending team by implementing the governing body's set consequences, which could range from a forfeiture of the game to further suspensions or fines, depending on the regulations of the particular sport or league.
In any competitive sport, formal sanctions are critical in maintaining the integrity of the game and ensuring that all teams and individuals abide by the established rules. Like in other areas where sanctions are applied, such as in business or legal settings, consequences for violating rules in sports are meant to deter misconduct and maintain fair play. Without these mechanisms, there would be less incentive for compliance, and the sport could become disorderly and unfair.