What Is "Advantage"?

Source:  Cover of the FIFA Laws of the Game 2010/2011

Ever watch a game and see a foul committed but the referee didn't blow the whistle? You may think in fact the ref "blew" the call by not calling a foul.   But wait...

The ref may have been invoking a rule known as "advantage".   It simply means we don't want a team who commits a foul to benefit from stopping play when the fouled team has the ball and an advantage in allowing play to continue.  You see a similar concept in basketball where the ref can call a foul but allow a basket to count after a foul has been committed.

So next time the ref doesn't blow the whistle on a foul - think twice before screaming FOUL!!!! at the top of your lungs  - the ref might simply be invoking advantage.    It'll be easier on your lungs and your neighbor's ears....   :)

Here's the rule definition from the FIFA Laws of the Game 2010/2011, Law 5:  The Referee.

Advantage

The referee may play advantage whenever an infringement or offence occurs. The referee should consider the following circumstances in deciding whether to apply the advantage or stop play:

• the severity of the offence: if the infringement warrants an expulsion, the referee must stop play and send off the player unless there is a subsequent opportunity to score a goal

• the position where the offence was committed: the closer to the opponent’s goal, the more effective it can be

• the chances of an immediate, promising attack

• the atmosphere of the match
The decision to penalise the original offence must be taken within a few seconds. If the offence warrants a caution, it must be issued at the next stoppage. However, unless there is a clear advantage, it is recommended that the referee stops play and cautions the player immediately. If the caution is NOT issued at the next stoppage, it cannot be shown later.