Applying Advantage in Soccer

We will discuss and examine how and when advantage should be applied. But first, in order to know when advantage should be applied, we must fully understand what defines advantage in our game.

Of course, we can look to the Laws of the Game for the official definition of advantage, but for our sake, let’s jump right into it and simplify the law. Basically, advantage can be defined as allowing play to continue when an offensive occurs and the team that has just been fouled will be afforded an attacking benefit from the application of the advantage.

Another important aspect of the so-called “advantage clause” is the fact that the referee has the power to penalize the team committing the foul if the anticipated advantage does not actually happen or materialize within a few seconds of the foul. So as a referee, ask yourself: “which option benefits the team that has been fouled?”

1. Stopping play, and awarding a free-kick, or:
2. Allowing the team to keep clear and effective possession.

I know it sounds complicated, but in reality, it’s a useful officiating tool that ensures teams that are on the receiving end of a foul have an opportunity to keep possession and maintain an attack toward the opponent’s goal.

IFAB or the International Football Association Board, recommends that referees consider the following four criteria and deciding whether to apply advantage or stop play.

1. The severity of the offense. In virtually all cases, if the offense warrants a red card, the referee must stop play immediately and send the player off. The exception: when there is a clear opportunity to score a goal.
2. The proximity to the goal from where the offense was committed. The closer to the opponent’s goal, the more effective the advantage can be.
3. The chances of an immediate promising attack.
4. The atmosphere of the match. Atmosphere means the level of game control the referee has at that moment. Will the advantage do more harm to the match control than if the referee whistles for the foul and slowed the game down.

In addition to these considerations, CONCACAF recommends a simplified concept called the 4P’s when considering whether or not to apply advantage. The 4P’s are related to the four questions we just examined. What are the 4P’s?

1. Possession of the ball. Which means: control of the ball by the team and the player that was fouled.
2. Potential for an attack. The ability to continue a credible and dangerous attack to goal .
3. Personnel. The skill of the attackers as well as the team that is attacking, having a numerical advantage.
4. Proximity. Proximity relates to the distance to the opponent’s goal. The closer to goal the higher, the likelihood of applying advantage. So you can ask yourself as a referee, does the foul occur and the attacking third, middle third, or defensive third of the field?

The application of advantage may differ depending upon the skill level, age level, as well as the overall general control of the match. Please note that possession does not automatically equate to advantage. There must be an opportunity for a clear and effective credible attack by the non-offending team.

As a referee, we must learn to utilize the “wait and see” technique when it comes to the application of the advantage clause. The “wait and see” technique means that we hold our whistle and we hold our decision to decide and analyze the existence of the 4P’s. So take a split second, take a picture of the play, take a picture of the field, and then ask yourself how many of the 4P’s exist. And do this before applying advantage or stopping the play for a foul.

It is recommended that referees do not signal for advantage until such time as it materializes. In other words, until it actually occurs or is realized. This is why the “wait and see” technique is key. It gives you time to hold or delay not only your whistle, but the visual signal which is seen by all players and spectators, until you are certain that the team that has been fouled actually has clear and effective possession.

One of the proudest moments a referee can experience during the match is a goal being scored from the application of the advantage clause. This is truly the definition of excellence. Excellent referees are able to successfully determine the presence of advantage by utilizing the “wait and see” technique to decide whether or not the four-piece exists.

Remember the 4P’s: possession of the ball, potential for attack, personnel, and proximity to goal. Remember possession is only one component of the 4P’s and possession does not always translate to a clear and effective advantage. Happy whistling.

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