The Layman’s Guide to the Laws of the Game
This
law is the shortest in the book; but in many ways the most important.
The
referee shall not whistle for an infringement during play which is followed by
an advantage gained by the non-offending team. Advantage must be either
territorial or such possession of the ball that constitutes an obvious tactical
advantage. A mere opportunity to gain
advantage is not sufficient. This Law takes precedence over most other Laws.
The purpose
of this law is to make play more continuous , with fewer stoppages. Players
should always play to the whistle but referees now are encouraged to shout
“playing advantage” and “advantage over” so that all are clear about how
long it lasts. The arm signal should only be for the first few seconds and its
withdrawal does not mean it’s over. Advantages arising from a penalty offence
can continue longer than for a scrum : the referee has wide discretion in this
respect and the distinction between a territorial or tactical advantage has to
be clear. With line-out throw going to the team who kick a penalty into touch,
this is nowadays particularly relevant.
Advantage
is a confident referee’s best tool. It allows him to orchestrate a flowing
game that all can enjoy but he should not overlook offences for the sake of it.
Nor should he place the offending team a disadvantage by giving the other side
more than one bite of the cherry. The key is to be consistent and encourage
reactive attack. The reward is a Try.
There
are occasions when a referee cannot play advantage. When the ball or ball
carrier contacts him : when the ball goes through and out of the scrum tunnel ;
and when a scrum wheels more than 90° , breaks up or collapses.
So
watch for the referee’s arm signal to show he is offering one side an
advantage opportunity ; and see if you can decide when the opportunity has
passed. Not the easiest judgement sometimes ! But when a try results , applaud
the referee as well as the scoring team !
