Final answer:
When a captain comes off the bench to protest a referee's decision, the referee should handle the situation according to the rules and regulations of the sport.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a captain comes off the bench to protest a referee's decision, the referee should handle the situation according to the rules and regulations of the sport. In most sports, it is not allowed for the captain to leave the bench area without permission, and protesting a referee's decision is typically considered unsportsmanlike conduct.
The referee should first assess the situation and determine if the protest is valid or if it is a violation of the rules. If the protest is deemed legitimate, the referee may choose to review the decision or consult with other officials to ensure fairness. However, if the protest is considered inappropriate, the referee should take appropriate action, such as issuing a warning or penalizing the captain according to the rules.
Referees need to maintain control over the game and ensure fair play, so they should handle protests objectively and consistently with the sport's rules.