Question Number: 14814

Mechanics 2/8/2007

Jon of Lond, Uk asks...

This question is a follow up to question 14797

Ref Contarino,

Sorry for any confusion, but one thing I would never tel anyone is automatically whistle! Sorry if it came across like that. As i previosuly said, i will normally say 'Advantage?' in my head before i do anything. It is hard for me to comment on how to apply advantage at under 12 level as its been a while since i officiated there. One thing i would say though is a lot of young, new referees officiate at this level as they are starting out and they need to learn on their own how to apply advantage and in England, it is common to be told to blow all fouls at first and feel your way into advantage. It also helps foul recognition.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Jon,
if you do a televised match let us know! Keep up the good work! Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Yes Jon, I tell my students not to consider advantage until they have good foul recognition and this comes after, at least, a year as referee. Blow the foul, reward yourself with a break from running. If the players carp about advantage just say you didn't think it was and next time you will do better.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Hi Jon. Thanks for clarification. When I instruct or mentor young referees I do NOT suggest they apply advantage until they are very grounded in foul recognition. I'm one of the unusual older referees in this or any other area and I still get a kick out of doing some U little games every season. Trust me, a pk at this level usually does NOT score and I'll give advantage if there's an obvious shot coming. I think you and I are saying the same things. Best, keith