The 'authorities' does not just mean 'the police/government'. In most situations in life there are 'authorities' and the point is that you shouldn't immediately

The 'authorities' does not just mean 'the police/government'. In most situations in life there are 'authorities' and the point is that you shouldn't immediately involve them. You confront a colleague about not doing what he promised and don't immediately go to your boss. You confront your neighbour about the noisy party and don't immediately complain to the landlord. You confront your teammate about not giving enough passes and don't immediately complain to your coach. In general, you solve the problem on your own, directly with the person you have a problem with, before asking someone else, usually someone with more authority, to do it for you. That is the point of the maxim.