Question Number: 29937

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/21/2015

RE: Intermediate Under 13

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

This question is a follow up to question 29934

My question is just one of mechanics. Referee McHugh gives a link to a USSF video, where the advice is to signal advantage & say 'Play on'. Referee Dawson signals advantage & verbally says 'Advantage' & uses 'Play on' to signal that advantage has been realized (or squandered).

While it may just be a matter of preference & I like the verbal 'advantage' because it's clear, what is the benefit of saying 'play on', once advantage is realized? Should it be different in the U.S. because of the USSF advice?

Thanks in advance,

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Phil
What is important is that there should be no doubt that the referee is playing advantage. The raised arm signal along with the use of word should clearly inform players that the referee has seen the foul and has decided to allow advantage to be played. I personally think that the use of the word advantage is more beneficial in that there is little confusion between perhaps the no foul scenario where the referee indicates that play should continue and the foul followed by advantage.
I also would make the point is that it is important to understand what the players expect. Do they expect that the use of Play On with the arms raised as the advantage signal. In this part of the world referees are asked to use the word ADVANTAGE as part of the signal.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Phil,
I was taught that we process advantage as a possibility by ignoring the foul and stating ADVANTAGE and arm sweep which is universal at the prospect of a possible reason not to stop play. The added of PLAY ON is my interpretation of signalling the advantage has been realized and I am not taking the restart back at that point. It is a mechanic that is ingrained and hard to break. Is it the best or necessary,y perhaps not, but no one is unaware of my intentions of that you can be sure!