Final answer:
Referees in sports have the authority to measure equipment at any time to ensure compliance with the rules, independent of requests from opposing teams.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the rules of most sports, a referee has the authority to measure and inspect equipment at any time during a game to ensure compliance with the official rules and standards. It is typically not necessary for the opposing team to make a request for equipment measurement. The referee's primary responsibility is to maintain a fair and safe playing environment, and this sometimes includes proactive checks on equipment without prompting from either team.