Question Number: 25605

Law 5 - The Referee 10/15/2011

RE: Rec Under 14

Andrew Page of Pleasanton, California United States asks...

If I see a serious foul but the person who was fouled has a clear advantage, can I give the advantage and once play has stopped (goal, goal kick, throw in), then I go back and card the person who fouled?

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Yes. The referee may allow play to continue. (Shouting 'play on/advantage' lets the fouled player know you saw the foul and visually signalling for the advantage give the same information to everyone else.) I find it useful to tell the player who committed the reckless foul - '#6 you are in the book.' Saying the number helps me remember who needs to be cautioned. The referee may then caution the player at the next stoppage in play. (The card must be shown before the referee allows play to restart.)

If the player's conduct requires a red card, the referee usually should stop play immediately. The risk of a serious confrontation is too high to let play continue.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Andrew
Yes play can be allowed to continue with the use of advantage and the player is cautioned at the next stoppage.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

This is a classic situation for the giving of advantage, however my only caveat would be that at this age and skill level, they might prefer the giving of the foul. Many times I have witnessed referees trying to apply an advantage for a team at the recreational U16 level and below, but the players have no idea what it is, what it means or what to do next. If the team doesn't know what to do with an advantage, the referee has done them no favor and should just go back and call the foul. They do know what to do then.

This is not to say don't use advantage here, just be aware of this problem and judge accordingly.