Advantage – When and Where 9/30/20121

The Advantage Clause Law 5 says: “The Referee … allows play to continue when the team against which an offence has been committed will benefit from such an advantage and penalises the original offense if the anticipated advantage does not ensue at that time.” 9/30/20122

The Advantage Clause What is the spirit of the Advantage Clause? Can advantage be applied when misconduct occurs? How does advantage relate to trifling offenses? 9/30/20123

Mechanics for Advantage Signal – Arms – Voice – “Silent” advantage What if the advantage doesn’t materialize? What if, shortly after advantage is given, another foul occurs? – Referee may give advantage again if appropriate. – If not, referee punishes the more serious foul. 9/30/20124

Applying Advantage “Never use advantage to your own disadvantage!” — Ken Aston 9/30/20125

Factors to Consider When Applying Advantage Factors that don’t change during the match – Technical skill of players – Maturity of players – ability to accept advantage decisions Factors that change during the match – Severity of infringement – Emotional level of the players – Location of the infringement; likelihood of attack or score – Overall atmosphere of the match 9/30/20126

Where Advantage is Usually Given 9/30/20127 Direction of Attack

Making the Advantage Decision In each case, the referee must consider – Can the player play through the foul? – Can the players understand the team benefit of applying advantage? The referee must seek to balance flow and control What does “using advantage to your disadvantage” mean? – Applying advantage when the players can’t handle it. – Allowing too much flow, risking loss of control. Bottom line: – Proper application of advantage gives players fairness with safety – FUN! 9/30/20128

U-14, Charging foul 9/30/20129 A D D D D D A A A A Careless Charge D

U-16, Charging foul 9/30/ A D D D D D A A A D A A D A A Careless Charge D

U-16, Kicking foul 9/30/ Kick! D D D D A A A DA D A A D A A D

U-19, Charging foul 9/30/ A D D D D D A A A D A Late, careless charge

U-16, Offside 9/30/ A D A D A Offside R High shot Attacker doesn’t touch ball Goalkeeper catches ball

U-14, Late tackle 9/30/ A D D D A A A D Late, reckless tackle A

U-16, Holding in Penalty Area 9/30/ A D D D D A A D A Holding

Some Technicalities Application of Advantage on non-Law 12 violations? – Yes! – USA now follows international practice. – Advantage can apply to any infringement (while ball is in play). – Uncommon except for infringements of Laws 11 or12. Application of Advantage to misconduct by substitutes? – Yes! – Rare, but can happen (for example, illegal entry). 9/30/201216

Summary Proper application of advantage maintains sense of safety and fairness among players. Many factors affect the decision to apply advantage. – Establish a level based on technical skill and maturity of players. – Adjust level during game based on player condition and game situation. “Never use advantage to your own disadvantage!” 9/30/201217