TY - JOUR AB - Purpose This editorial aims to highlight the challenges and dilemmas faced by journal editors and the implications for the editorial process.Design/methodology/approach A sporting metaphor has been used. A soccer referee is used to highlight the tasks, roles and dilemmas faced by editors.Findings Editors need to identify the role they wish to play in the editorial process, and this role involves balancing the dilemmas and identifying trade-offs.Originality/value This research offers insight into the editorial role for authors to assist them in understanding both the process and the decisions that are made in a complex, competitive environment of publishing. VL - 31 IS - 3 SN - 0887-6045 DO - 10.1108/JSM-03-2017-0073 UR - https://doi.org/10.1108/JSM-03-2017-0073 AU - Russell-Bennett Rebekah AU - Baron Steve PY - 2017 Y1 - 2017/01/01 TI - Editorial: the role of the editor – managing fair play T2 - Journal of Services Marketing PB - Emerald Publishing Limited SP - 201 EP - 203 Y2 - 2024/04/23 ER -