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Introduction: 

In the game of football, when a foul is committed on a player, the award of a free kick to a player is not always to that team's best advantage, because it can stop the forward momentum of play, and allow time for the opposing team to reorganise its defence. The Referee can deicide whether to award a free kick or to apply the advantage clause to let play continue. When a free kick is awarded, the offending team has a chance to regroup, thereby giving them an unfair advantage. Therefore, on many occasions, the team that has been fouled can receive more benefit if play were allowed to continue, instead of being stopped by the Referee to award a free kick. Law 5 of the Laws of Associated Football, allows the Referee to use his judgement in making these types of decisions. Is it better for the Referee to allow play to continue, or should he stop play and award a free kick? The Referee will consider the best option for the innocent team - and this is discussed below in more detail.

The Advantage Clause permits the Referee to apply two options when a foul is committed on a player:

Option 1. Allow play to continue to the advantage of the team whose player has been fouled, with the option of penalising the original foul, if the advantage for that team does not ensue within 2 to 3 seconds.

Option 2. If the Referee believes that there is no advantage to be gained in allowing play to continue, he can stop play immediately and award a free kick (or penalty kick) to the team whose player has been fouled.

When a team commits an offence, the Referee can prevent the guilty team from gaining any benefit, by applying the advantage clause to the innocent team. The Referee is not always obliged to stop play; because in some cases, this would be a disadvantage to the innocent team, i.e awarding a free kick is very often a less favourable option. When a Referee applies advantage, it is the offending team that are denied any advantage that they may have gained, had the Referee stopped play. The advantage clause allows the Referee to interpret Law 12, so that the offended team can benefit, rather than the offending team. 

Applying advantage is the Referees prerogative - he can either apply advantage, or he can NOT apply advantage. In reality, Referees use a combination of both of these methods in every game, thus allowing them to control and keep the game flowing with the minimum of stoppages. During a good-natured match, the Referee will play advantage on most occasions when the offended team retains possession in favourable circumstances. Conversely, during an ill tempered match (and to retain control of a game), the Referee will keep the application of advantage to a bare minimum - else players may seek retribution on opponents by taking the Law into their own hands. The degree (or amount of advantage applied) can also be varied in a single game to calm players down during heated periods.

The ultimate aim is to ensure that offending teams are not allowed to profit from their offences.

Although it is possible in certain circumstances for Referees to caution or send-off a player some time after an incident has occurred - failure to act quickly in fractious circumstances may result in an ugly confrontation developing into a violent situation. If a serious (or violent) foul occurs or if there is any hint of an assault taking place, the Referee should stop play immediately and NOT allow advantage to develop. Taking action quickly in these circumstances can prevent further trouble escalating.
In other words, it's all well and good being free and easy with the application of advantage, but here are some occasions when it should not be applied. 

Applying advantage in the penalty area of the offending team can also cause problems, as the Referee will have to make a very quick judgement on the possibility of a goal being scored immediately. 

If following an innocuous foul on a defender, the ball makes it way to the defender's goalkeeper - it is sometimes better to allow the goalkeeper to continue play by kicking the ball from his hands upfield, than to stop play and award a free kick (so long as there is no danger to the goalkeeper or any other player).

The advantage clause allows the game to flow, and allows the Referee to penalise deliberate breaches of the Laws that are detrimental to the spirit of the game, rather than whistling too liberally for trifling and doubtful infringements. There is no need to apply advantage for a trifling or dubious offence, but instead, it should only be applied it if the foul affects the game or the players. This is a difficult skill to learn, as we very often see Referees making a big meal of advantage, when there would have been no change to the game, whether the foul had been committed or not! It is in these situations, when it is better to just let the game continue without interference. If Referees apply advantage every time that a foul occurs, it will lessen their control of the game, and will have less effect on those occasions when a significant foul occurs, that really requires the correct application of advantage to be delivered. Therefore, an astute Referee is able to identify and deal with only those infractions that really affect the game. 

By recognising what a true advantage is, and realising that it does not happen very often, a Referee's decisions will be much more appreciated by the players when he applies the clause correctly on those occasions when it really is needed. In a normal game, the Referee will only need to apply the advantage cause 4 or 5 times. All the other moments of physical contact need no intervention because the players will just get on with the game themselves. A carefully considered and selective application of advantage will have much more effect compared to advantages that are applied for every single tickle that happens between players. 

To understand how to apply the advantage clause, it helps to understand the history of how it was introduced in to the Laws.

History: 

The word 'advantage' appeared for the first time in the Laws in season 1938-39 following a complete rewrite and renumbering of the previous Laws. The original sentence that appeared in Law 5 was as follows: 

"He shall, however, refrain from penalising in cases where he is satisfied that by doing so he would be giving an advantage to the offending team." 

In 1956-57, the following was added to Law 5:

"If the Referee has decided to apply the advantage clause and to let the game proceed, he cannot revoke his decision if the presumed advantage has not been realised, even though he has not, by any gesture, indicated his decision. This does not exempt the offending player from being dealt with by the Referee."

The following Advantage clause amendment appeared in Law 5-season 1996-97, as International Board Decision 7. This original Law 5 text and FIFA instructions were as follows: 

"If the Referee applies the advantage clause and the advantage which was anticipated does not develop at that time, the Referee shall penalise the original offence."

Reason:

The amendment seeks to indicate a timescale during which the Referee may penalise the original offence if the anticipated advantage does not develop.

This now gives the Referee the possibility of waiting to see how an advantage situation develops and if it does not develop after a short while, e.g. two/three seconds, then the Referee has to immediately stop the game and penalise the original offence, provided that the ball is still in play (if not, then play must be restarted in accordance with the Law). Furthermore, should a player of the offending team commit a second offence during the time the Referee is allowing for the development of the anticipated advantage, then the Referee must sanction the more serious of the two offences. In any case, this does not exempt each offending player from being dealt with appropriately (caution or dismissal) by the Referee. 

The modern Law 5 text is shown in the paragraph below:

The Referee "allows 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."

Before the 1996/1997 season, if the Referee allowed an advantage, he was not allowed to bring play back and penalise the original offence if subsequently, the advantage did not develop.

In other words, it was just bad luck for the team whose player had been fouled. 

A free kick awarded for a foul should not benefit the team that committed the foul. The essence of the modern advantage clause is to promote fairness to the offended team, and not to allow the offending team an unfair advantage by allowing them time to prepare their defending players in readiness for a free kick against them. The advantage clause also allows the Referee to keep play moving - thus promoting flowing football.

It is important to remember two facets of this developing Law 5 change. 

Firstly the wording encapsulating the time allowed for a Referee to bring back an advantage to the original scene of the foul.

'If it does not develop after a short while, e.g. two/three seconds.'

Law 5 no longer mentions a specific time, so it is important not to lose visibility of this original time measurement allowance - especially for new trainee Referees. Notwithstanding this, the Referee can penalise the original offence as soon as the advantage does not materialise. In other words, if the advantage does not materialise in the first second, there is no need to wait the full two/three seconds allowed before stopping play for the free kick.

And secondly, if the Referee allows advantage, and lets play continue - if a second offence is committed by a player of the offending team during the time the Referee is allowing for the development of the anticipated advantage, then the Referee could sanction the more serious of the two offences.

For example: A defender attempts to impede an attacker 2 metres outside of the defender's penalty area. Although the attacker is unbalanced and falters, he manages to keep upright, retains possession of the ball and moves towards goal. 

The Referee shouts "Play on, Advantage!"

The attacker moves into the defender's penalty area where he is immediately tripped by another defender and fouled a second time, resulting in the attacker falling to the ground. The award is a penalty kick (for the more serious offence/punishment) and not an indirect free kick (for the lesser offence/punishment) for the original impedance which occurred outside of the defender's penalty are. 

If the attacker had not been fouled a second time and had gained no advantage from being allowed to play-on; the Referee should stop play within two/three seconds and award the attacking team an indirect free kick at the place outside of the penalty area where the first foul (impedance) occurred.

Further advice based on information from Ken Ridden Director of Refereeing The Football Association England was provided to Referees in the form of 'Guidance Notes For Referees 1996/1997'. His advice covering the advantage clause appears in the next paragraph:

"The change in Decision 7 (Law 5), referring to the Advantage Clause, is very significant and requires a lot of thought. The new wording is intended to ensure that the team offended against does not suffer unfairly if a Referee reasonably applies the advantage clause, but the advantage is immediately nullified by extraneous factors. It must be noted that if the Advantage clause is invoked and the player offended against loses control of the ball as a result of his own error, then play must be allowed to continue. Likewise, if a player receives the ball from an 'advantage' situation but shoots wide of the goal, the original offence should not be penalised with a free kick.

It is more important than ever, that Referees identify appropriate 'advantage' situations early, and convey their intentions to the players by providing a clear shout and the correct hand signal.

At lower levels of football, players often see a greater benefit in the award of a free kick, rather than being awarded an advantage if there is a clear-cut (obvious) attacking opportunity.

The change of the wording of this Law does not change the necessity to consider all factors when applying advantage, what it does, is affords a 'safety valve'. A Referee may now legally, award a free kick after an advantage does not transpire through an act of fate.

The long-standing principle of the Advantage Clause remains the same. You should remember that as a Referee you must look at the anticipated advantage in terms of the team offended against and not judge the issue solely on whether the fouled player retains possession of the ball after the unfair challenge."

The above 'History' is a small insight into 'when and why' the Advantage clause was added to the Laws. The principles included above are still adhered to today and offer an understanding on how the Advantage clause has developed and how the modern Referee should use it. 

The Referee is not advised to apply advantage following incidents of a serious nature. Doing so, will give the opportunity for retribution to be taken by opponents - and this could lead to serious trouble occurring. In such cases, the Referee should ignore any appeals to allow advantage to continue. For example - if a defender commits a 'leg breaking tackle' from behind, on an attacker, but the ball breaks away to a colleague of the injured attacker who subsequently moves forwards - the Referee should stop play immediately (unless it is blatantly obvious that a goal will be scored within the very next second or so) and swiftly deal with the perpetrator of the offence by sending him off. If the Referee allows play to continue by invoking the advantage clause, then the chances are that a colleague of the injured player may seek retribution by committing a violent act against either the perpetrator or one of the perpetrator's colleagues. By stopping play immediately after a serious offence, the Referee gains control of a potentially escalating situation; and by doing so, reminds the players that HE is the only one legally permitted to hand-out punishment on the field of play.

It is important, that when a Referee applies an advantage, that he communicates this properly to the players as quickly as possible. This ensures that everyone is aware that the Referee has recognised the offence, but prefers to keep the game flowing. The use of advantage does not mean that the Referee is absolved from punishing perpetrators; they can be dealt with later. Failure to deal with miscreants, may lead to retaliation from the offended team.

Some Referees use the same advantage communication signal for 'play on', when no offence has occurred. This will confuse players and spectators who are out of the verbal range of the Referee. The advantage communication signal should only be used when an offence has occurred, and the Referee wishes to allow play to continue. If a Referee uses the same signal when a foul has not occurred, it will lead to confusion, and furthermore, lead to accusations that the Referee has missed a foul, whenever a true advantage is later played. A good Referee is able to convey the intended message, whereas a bad Referee only confuses players. 
There is a clear distinction to be made here. When a Referee allows play to continue following a foul, he is allowed to bring play back to penalise the original offence with the award of a free kick. In short, the Referee has two chances to benefit the offended team (play on or free kick). When a Referee allows play to continue after a trifling or doubtful breach on the Laws (i.e. no foul has occurred), he is not allowed to bring play back for a free kick. An astute Referee will be able to recognise what actions are significant and what aren't. This is why it is very important, that the advantage clause communication is only ever used whenever a foul has occurred.

Shouting "Play on" when no foul has occurred can confuse players. Players will be unsure if the Referee has seen a foul and allowed advantage - or whether the Referee had deemed that no foul had occurred, thus letting play continue. In such circumstances, the Referee would be better shouting: "Play on. No foul" or similar words that communicate that no foul had occurred. In most cases where no foul has occurred, it is sometimes better just to allow play to continue without saying or indicating anything. 

Explaining advantage decisions to players will increase communication between the Referee and players.

The Referee should make it evidently clear when he has awarded an advantage. He should communicate this by LOUDLY shouting: 

"Play on!, Advantage!" 

And by moving both hands and arms forward in a sweeping motion upwards from waist level. 

It is very important that the Referee signals by using both voice and arms - this is a widely-know and accepted internationally used signal that must be executed simply and without flamboyance or eccentricity. 

Awarding and showing advantage should be done as quickly as possible - any delay by the Referee in deciding whether to award advantage or not, will be seen by the players as a weakness in quick decision-making.. 

Paradoxically - allowing a slight delay to see how play develops may occasionally lead to a more successful application of the advantage clause. In other words, there will be occasions when you should not blow the whistle too quickly. Nobody said it was going to be easy!

When an attacking team approaches the opponent's penalty area, there is a higher probability of a challenge being made. Therefore, the Referee should mentally prepare himself to potentially make a very quick decision and whistle signal. The aim is to minimise the delay factor of blowing the whistle to stop play. 

Clear advantage communication informs the players that the Referee has acknowledged the foul, but has allowed play to continue. Failure to 'communicate' a significant advantage will result in players assuming that the Referee has not seen the offence. This will lessen the confidence that players have in the Referee.

Influences that can affect Advantage: 

The prerogative of awarding advantage belongs solely to the Referee. He should not be influenced by any appeals from players, managers, coaches or spectators, who for some strange reason, always think that they know better than the qualified Referee. Because applying advantage is a personal choice, there will always be an opposite view; therefore, the Referee should prepare himself to deal with dissent from team officials (e.g. managers and coaches). In most cases, these are just minor moan and groans, and should just be ignored.

The application of the 'Advantage Clause' depends very much on the mood of the players, the differing skill levels of the competing teams, weather and ground conditions, history of previous encounters, whether it is a relegation or promotion match or a Cup final, which side of bed the players got out of this morning - and whether the Moon is in the correct position or not! (Only joking!)

A Referee can treat two identical advantage incidents in a game completely differently. For example - following a foul in one game, the Referee allowed advantage to develop. In an identical incident during a different game (or in the second half of the same game), the Referee stopped play to award a free kick. Therefore, the incident itself is invariably not always the only measure to consider when awarding advantage or not - there are many other outside factors to consider before the Referee decides. 

"The foul is only the catalyst when deciding advantage - the complete answer is the foul itself, plus the variable equation of circumstances surrounding it."

For example - following a foul in the first half, the Referee allows advantage, but in the second half following a similar foul, the Referee stopped play immediately and awards a free kick. The reasons why he may have taken this action are numerous - i.e., the first half was played in a very sporting manner, but the second half had developed into World War 3 - necessitating tighter Referee control on the game by NOT awarding any advantage in an attempt to stabilise and regain control of the game. When taking such varying action in the same game, the Referee will undoubtedly receive accusations of "inconsistency". Ignore such remarks. It is more important for the Referee to retain 'consistent control' of the game, and if this means adjusting the way advantage is permitted - then retaining control of the game consistently, is far more important than worrying about petty comments.

The Referee should be discreet in establishing and building up control in the early stages of an anticipated difficult game. One method towards gradually building full control is NOT to award too much advantage early on in the game, but build up the application of advantage gradually until it can be applied more liberally without jeopardising early control of the game. 

Advantage should never be used by the Referee to negate taking action to protect players' individual skills and flair. In other words, applying advantage should not be an alternative to properly and rightly disciplining offending players for fouls that they commit. Advantage should never be used as an excuse for not dealing properly and positively with offenders. The Referee must never use advantage solely as a disguise for failing to act on the offence seen. In other words, if the original foul warrants a caution (or a red card), the perpetrator should be punished accordingly when play allows.

Referees must apply restraint when allowing advantage, and never use the application to solely seek pleasure themselves. The Advantage Clause is there for the players' benefit, and not to feed the reputation of indulgent or over-ambitious Referees.

It can sometimes be difficult to anticipate retaliation following a hard physical challenge for the ball. Retaliation very often occurs at the scene of the crime, so it is important not to immediately follow the flight of the ball if trouble is anticipated. The Referee should leave his eyes (for just a few seconds) on the scene of the challenge, before following the path of the ball (this is known as the trailing eye technique). If there is the slightest hint of retaliation being taken by players, advantage should not be applied. 

The age of players can be factored into the Referee's advantage equation. Young players can lack the maturity to understand and to benefit from an advantage. They also lack the physical aptitude to capitalise on most advantages given. That is not to say that the Referee should NEVER apply advantage with young players. As an extreme example - an advantage given to a young team 1 metre inside their opponents half of the field of play is not quite the same as allowing advantage to an English Premiership League team of professional players in the same position. The young team players would benefit more from a free kick, whereas the Premiership side is skilful enough to monopolise the situation to their benefit - and actually want the Referee to keep play moving whenever possible. The skill level of the teams must therefore also be considered. A Sunday morning team would probably benefit more if a free kick were awarded to them inside their own half of the field of play, as opposed to the Referee allowing them an advantage. Conversely, highly skilful teams will accept an advantage in any part of the field of play. The advantage clause should also be applied carefully and thoughtfully whenever veteran players or disabled players are involved.

Ground conditions will also affect the extent to which advantage can be allowed to develop. Deciding to award advantage on a normal surface is different to allowing advantage on a frosty or very muddy and bumpy surface. During inclement weather, the team will probably gain a better advantage by the award of the free kick, rather than being allowed to run on with the ball.

Referees Perspective: 

Applying advantage is a technique that if used properly, will promote the flow of the game, and increase the enjoyment for all of the participants. The Referee therefore, has a duty to use and learn the proper application of this clause. Proper application will also enhance a Referees ability and reputation, because players will appreciate an official who is in tune with how they want to play.

The factors influencing when advantage should, or should not be applied by the Referee could be: (a) the players' level of respect for each other and towards the Referee - (b) the skill levels of the teams - (c) the flow of the game - (d) the players' discipline levels - (e) a previous bad encounter between the teams - (f) revenge.......... These are feelings and contributory factors that should be easy enough to discern during the game; nevertheless, a Referee needs to be on his toes in every match.

When considering the application of the advantage clause, Referees are advised to ignore sweeping generalisations such as:

(a) never play advantage in the first fifteen minutes, or
(b) only allow advantage in the last attacking third of the field of play.
These types of statements are too simplified and constricting to be of any practicable use. There are many additional factors that make generalisations confusing to apply: 
(i) passing skill of a team
(ii) age of the players
(iii) mood of the game
(iv) weather

Each advantage incident must be considered in its own bubble, and not governed by generalised statements. Advantage is a flexible clause that is meant to enhance the whole game, and not just pre-selected parts of it.

The nearer an attacking team is to their opponent's goal, the more effective an advantage will be. Advantage is not a slide-rule measurement where all possibilities can be easily be described in a written list. Applying advantage also depends on the position on the field of play where a foul occurs. For example, a team with little footballing skill will not appreciate advantage being awarded to them in the close vicinity of their goal (e.g. in their defensive part of the field of play). The award of a free kick is more advantageous to them, because the ball can be safely kicked upfield. (away from immediate danger) into their opponents' half. If there is any risk of a defender losing control if the ball following an advantage to him near his own goal, it is better to award a free kick - else there will be a considerable chance that the advantage will be gained by the offending team.

A team of inferior skill, will be less likely to be able to keep possession of the ball in their own half for long enough to gain a benefit from any advantage. 

The age of players also needs to be factored into the advantage equation - as previously mentioned, younger players are less likely to achieve benefit from advantage than older players are. Many Referees do not play advantage in the defensive half when young teams are involved. Conversely, it is not unusual for one young aged team to be far superior in skill to their opponents - in this case, the Referee may be more liberal with advantage if an offence is committed in the skilful team's own half. 

If a team has a free kick expert available - a free kick may be a better option for them (rather than awarding advantage) when an offence occurs near their opponents' penalty area. 

Referees will need to consider very carefully, and act swiftly when deciding advantage (or not) to an attacking team in the defending team's penalty area. Unless it is plainly obvious that allowing advantage to the attacking team will result in a certain goal, the Referee should err on the side of caution and stop play as quickly as he can when an offence is committed against an attacker in the defending team's penalty area. This will certainly prevent complex problems arising if a foul in the penalty area is ignored - but the advantage does not develop. The immediate award of a penalty kick is probably more beneficial to an attacking team, than that team being allowed advantage in their opponents' penalty area. If a Referee allows advantage following an offence in the penalty area, and the attacker subsequently shoots and misses the goal (or the goalkeeper saves it), the Referee should not award that team a free kick (or penalty) for the original offence. This would be tantamount to offering the attacking team two advantages. This would be unfair, and against the spirit of the game. Applying advantage in the penalty area, is a difficult task for the Referee to decide. The Referee needs to be less flexible in his application of advantage when it happens inside the penalty area.

One area where awarding a free kick to an attacking team is usually the better option, rather than applying advantage, is the area 10 - 15 metres or so in front of the defending team's penalty area. This is the area where (ceremonial) free kicks are very often successful, especially if the attacking team is good at taking them. If you apply an advantage to the attacking team in this area, and the result is negative, they will probably chastise the Referee. Therefore, as a default, be prepared to stop play for a free kick in this area, rather than apply advantage, especially is there are lots of defending players in close proximity.

"If the advantage works, the Referee is Go(O)d, if it does not work, the Referee is (D)evil!"

Possession of the ball should not be the main factor when applying advantage. In certain circumstances, the team, who has been fouled, may gain no advantage by merely retaining possession of the ball. The advantage materialises, if that team is able to make positive progress towards their opponent's goal, thereby increasing their attacking possibilities. Possession alone (particularly in a team's own half) can very often swing the advantage towards the team who committed the foul. If a player to whom an advantage has been allowed, still has a number of opponent's 'closing' him down in his own half, then the better option would be to award a free kick for the original offence.

If following the award of advantage to a player in his own half, a player has no option but to progress backward towards his own goal, then this is also not considered to be advantageous to his team. In this case, the Referee should award a free kick for the original offence.

The Assistant Referees' Role with Advantage: 

Imagine a situation following a foul, where the Assistant Referee uses an arm signal to indicate, "Play on. Advantage", and then a goal is scored; which is subsequently disallowed because the Referee calls play back to penalise the original foul by awarding a free kick!

Assistant Referees should never shout 'Play on' or 'Advantage' or indicate advantage by shouting or using an outstretched arm. The fact that an Assistant Referee does nothing (apart from running along the touchline), is plenty enough to tell the players that they should continue playing. Assistant Referees must always take their steer from the Referee - who is the only one allowed to indicate an advantage situation.

OFFSIDE: 

Assistant Referees can very often be seen signalling to players with an encouraging wave of their hand when allowing play to continue following an appeal for offside. Such signals from the Assistant Referee are not required and will eventually lead to confusion and trouble. The fact that an Assistant Referee has NOT raised his flag to award an offside is enough to tell the players that no offside offence has occurred. 

If following an offside signal by an Assistant Referee, the ball subsequently travels safely to the defending goalkeeper - an astute Referee will more than often apply the advantage clause (by NOT signalling) and allow play to continue. This is advantageous to the defending team, and keeps the game moving when there was no need to stop it. 

Although Assistant Referees should not signal or decide advantage, they should indicate to an unsighted Referee when a foul has been committed - thus allowing the Referee to decide whether to apply advantage or not. 

If a flag signal for any type of offence is not immediately seen by the Referee, the Assistant Referee should keep signalling until he is acknowledged by the Referee or until the Assistant Referee recognises a clear advantage to the team against which the offence has been committed - in this case, the flag should be lowered. 

If a Referee decides to penalise an original foul committed on the edge of the penalty area, following an advantaged that did not ensue - the Assistant Referee may be asked to indicate to the Referee whether the foul occurred inside or outside of the penalty area. A subtle way of doing this is for the Assistant Referee to stand facing inwards to the field of play, make eye contact with the Referee, and then step sideways towards the corner flag, to indicate that the foul occurred inside the penalty area. If the foul occurred outside of the penalty area, then the Assistant Referee should side-step towards the half-way line. But to avoid any misunderstanding, these types of body-language signals must be agreed with the Referee during his pre-match brief.

Summary: 

In practical terms, experience on the field of play is the best way of learning when to apply advantage. Below are a few bullet points that will help you to become a better Referee in terms of YOU applying advantage in a more thoughtful way.

• Only the Referee should apply or signal an advantage.

• Assistant Referees are advised not to indicate advantage in any way. This is the prerogative of the Referee.

• Use the standard, "Play on, advantage," shout, accompanied with a forward seep upwards of both arms. Communicate this strongly and LOUDLY. 

• Do not apply advantage too liberally. Be selective. This will increase its impact.

• Do not use the standard advantage signal above when no foul has occurred. A simple vocal, "Play on" will suffice.

• Constant whistling for trifling and doubtful breaches of the Law produces bad feeling and loss of temper on the part of the players and spoils the enjoyment of the game for all.

• Ask yourself on each advantage situation, "Is a free kick more beneficial?"

• Do not apply advantage following a serious occurrence or an assault. STOP PLAY.

• In the less skilled levels of football, more benefit is achieved by awarding a free kick.

• Unless a goal is 100% definitely going to be imminently scored, it is wiser for a Referee NOT TO AWARD ADVANTAGE to an attacking team in their opponent's penalty area (especially if a penal offence has been committed). A penalty is a much better and safer option.

• A free kick is usually the best option for an attacking team in the area just in front of the defending team's penalty area.

• Don't forget to punish perpetrators after an advantage has been applied. At the very least, be seen to have a word with them.

• If the advantage does not ensue within 2 to 3 seconds, penalise the original offence.

• If an applied advantage is not realised (i.e. an attacker makes a mess of shooting towards goal, do not award a free kick for the original offence. This would be tantamount to applying advantage twice to the offended team!

• Try using varying levels of advantage to control fractious periods in a game.

With experience, advantage becomes very easy and very enjoyable to apply. It becomes second nature, and experienced Referees know by instinct when to award advantage and when not to. And it must be done in an instant. Can you improve?

Julian Carosi www.CorshamRef.org.uk

Happy reffing.