NCAA SOCCER advantage

Advantage When deciding Advantage the Referee should consider the following: Distance from the goal chance to score a goal chance of a promising attack Players number of defenders number of attackers Severity of the foul - Does the foul warrant a caution or ejection? Atmosphere/Temperature of the match - Does your match control need the foul? Time of the match Possession of the ball Skill of the player Score of the match

Advantage Location of the foul should always be considered before giving advantage: Defensive zone – Typically play it safe and give a free kick, unless you have exceptional circumstances to let play continue. Midfield – Look for an immediate attacking opportunity (number of defenders and attackers) as well as distance to goal. The skill of the player and his/her ability to regain possession of the ball should be taken into consideration. Also consider the severity of the foul and the overall control of the match. Attacking zone – Take into account all considerations but consider giving a free kick if its more of a benefit to the attacking team.

Analysis: Even though there is considerable distance to the goal the referee does well to recognize the chance of a promising attack as well as an advantage in the number of attackers. The foul is not severe and we can assume in the 5th minute there are not match control issues that the referee needs to be concerned with by letting the contact go. His decision has minimal risk vs rewarding potential game flow. Its also apparent by the offended team’s body language that they want to continue playing.

Analysis: The referee decides not to apply advantage in this situation even though the attacking team keeps possession of the ball in the attacking zone of the field. It appears as if a promising attack on goal would have resulted. However, the referee weigh his options by taking the following into consideration: severity of the foul, match control (atmosphere / temperature), time and score of the match.

Analysis: The better option would have been to whistle a foul rather than apply advantage. The offense occurs in the defensive half of the field. Even though the attacking team regains possession of the ball she plays the ball backwards and there is little chance of a promising attack. Additionally there are multiple defenders behind the ball.

Analysis: If the referee deems this to be a foul, the better option would have been to whistle and award a free kick as there is no real chance for a promising attack. Even though the attacker regains possession of the ball the defender is able to close the space and prevents the attacker who was initially fouled from continuing her dribble. If the Referee does not feel a foul was committed then the advantage signal should no be given and play would simply continue.

Analysis: The referee does well to recognize a good chance of a promising attack from the midfield. There is a clear foul that occurs but the attacking team is able to keep possession of the ball and the play results with an opportunity to score. The referee has patience, waits to see if there is a possible advantage, and takes into consideration the severity of the foul and atmosphere of the match.