Question Number: 15049

Law 5 - The Referee 3/26/2007

RE: Recreational Under 12

Dave Eberle of Clarkston, WA USA asks...

What is your advice in applying advantage appropriately during recreational youth matches?

Your website is an excellent way to learn more about soccer! Thank you.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

The LOTG state that the referee should apply advantage when the team that fouled would benefit from the referee calling the foul. I would treat this no different in youth rec matches. If the team doing the fouling would benefit from you making the call, then I would not call the foul. Else, you need to call it. Remember you have 2-3 seconds to call the original foul back.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Certainly you should use advantage wisely in youth games. Just make sure of two things - one, that the situation is truly advantageous, and two, that everyone involved knows that, "Advantage, Play On!" means that you saw a foul.

One memorable situation several years ago, a player was dribbling parallel to the 18 (or whatever distance it was in small-sided) just outside the penalty area. He's tripped just as he gets a pass off to a wide-open teammate in the other side of the PA. "Play on!" I shout, only to hear a coach, "Play on? for THAT?" I would have enlightened the coach after the game, but there were other events that convinced me that combatting ignorance was not as important as avoiding an unnecessary confrontation.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

We all have stories about giving advantage in youth soccer. I gave advantage INSIDE the penalty area in a U12 rec games a few years ago as the ball was heading to an onside player and a wide open net. Just as the coach started screaming for a PK this player scored. I asked him if he'd like the goal waved off and for me to award a PK. I gave advantage because at this age/skill level, they miss more pks than they make. Advantage should be given when warranted but be prepared to have a talk with coaches/players at the half or end of game. They do not understand it.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Dave,
thanks for the support!
In younger recreational matches in my opinion most teams do not want it they prefer a stoppage and free kick . Advantage must be more than continuing possession of the ball and you must consider the SKILL set of the players. In a u-12 youth matches on a handles the ball deliberately foul I recall yelling advantage and signaling with the arm sweep. I was going to add play on as he had a clear path to goal when I realized I had scared the kid on the ball because I shouted so loud he had suspended his run and now the defenders were about to close him down!

Some referees like to think they know more of the tactical decision of allowing play as a possibility versus a free kick and the whack by the go to player with the strong leg.
I tend to ask coaches if I can assist with explaining the laws and make a point by way of demonstrations and requesting they ask me things they are unsure on!

Expectations and skill level where a coach would prefer a free kick as my colleague pointed out there are those precious moments when we see a brief delay of the whistle leading to a goal that otherwise might not have occurred. I do find it does not hurt to offer coaches an opportunity when an introduction occurs.

Hi, We are fair not perfect, easy to talk to if the tone reasonable and at an appropriate time. Would you like us to talk to your players? Do you have any questions? They can decline or accept.

Often I discuss such things as advantage, offside, substitution handles the ball deliberately, play the whistle etcc... I enjoy working with coaches when I referee youth to help educate but try not to step on their tactical toes.

My version of how to apply advantage as a mechanic!

1) When you hear us Bellow ADVANTAGE!!!
We saw the foul that needed to be seen so please do not retaliate, scream at us or think we were asleep! WE THINK that the attempt to cheat and stop play by your opponent failed and your team is better off continuing play! We might even tell the player who did the foul, We WILL be talking # ?? if we were going to or thinking of cautioning caution him at the next stoppage

2) Wait the 2-3 seconds and or if the advantage is achieved. We are waiting to see what will happen? 2 or 3 seconds is a guide not a mandate as advantage could occur immediately or take a bit more time to actually develop into GOOD attacking play or a Scoring opportunity or a Goal However do NOT let JUST simple BALL POSSESSION and then into traffic only to lose possession, take the place of a free kick from a good spot!.

3) When you see the foul to which you're applying advantage, spread your arms out to the side like a inclined 45% V, Bellow it loud and clear ?Advantage?! and hold your arms there.
Complete the signal by sweeping your arms up and yelling 'Play on'! once certain the advantage IS realized WE will not be going back to the original foul location for a restart as advantage is realized however if there WAS misconduct in that foul it will be dealt with at the next stoppage !

If the advantage is not achieved, put your arms down and whistle for the foul take care of any misconduct and conduct the proper restart from the place of the infringment.
Cheers