Question Number: 31369

Law 5 - The Referee 3/19/2017

RE: Competitive Calnorth cysl Under 11

Dane of Lincoln, California Usa asks...

Do cal north rules differ much from fifa rules,

My main question is about 'law 5' which is the 'advantage' rule or guideline.

The referee- allowing play to continue when the team against which an offence has been committed will benefit from such an advantage and penalises the original offence if the anticipated advantage does not ensue at that time;

My question is this a rule or honored by referres for cal north cysl ?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Dane,
the LOTG remain the same BUT the application of advantage for YOUTH is much different than adult & likely not something newer inexperienced referees (the kind who generally get the younger aged games) are that familiar with in knowing when it is best to apply. Given safety & tears force more stoppages at the youth level,then the older matches & the skill levels are not there to take advantage of a real advantage. It is difficult to assess if your concerns are valid. FIFA LOTG are not HIGHSCHOOL rules but the practical application of MOST are similar or the same. High school soccer is more like an extension of the classroom so the standards are perceived differently.
CHeers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Dane
Applying advantage requires a skill and it is not easy to get correct all of the time. Some times referees get it wrong by either not playing it when the should or vice versa of playing it when they should not. That can cause frustration in the game when a team is on the wrong side of a decision.
A cursory glance at advantage questions on the site will show situations where referees awarded fouls just before goals were scored. Nothing worse than pulling play back when the best decision is to allow play to continue.
I recall a few season ago when a player stopped the ball the goal line with his arm and the ball rebound behind me. I blew for a penalty and just in the next second an attacker pounced on the ball with a shot to score. I had already blown so I could not award the goal. I sent off the offender and guess what? The penalty was missed. Now it did not make any difference to the outcome of the game yet I should have given myself a second or so which meant I could have played a good advantage.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

This is part of the LOTG. Advantage should be used 'cautiously' by the referee and when the spirit of the game calls for it. Age level, skill level, and temper of the match play a big role in this. Advantage should never be used on a red cardable foul unless there is a CLEAR goal scoring opportunity for the non guilty team. On yellow card fouls it can be used, but again you have to be careful as there is always a chance of retaliation. Basically, ask yourself would the team rather have a kick or continue to play on.

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 31377