LAW 8. ADVANTAGE

The referee shall not whistle for an infringement during play which is followed by an advantage gained by the non-offending team. An advantage must be either territorial or such possession of the ball as constitutes an obvious tactical advantage. A mere opportunity to gain advantage is not sufficient.

Notes:-

(i)
The referee is given a wide discretion as to what constitutes an advantage and is not limited to a territorial advantage. The referee is the sole judge of whether an advantage has been gained.

(ii)
Neither team may gain an advantage from the following circumstances:
(a)
when the ball or a player carrying it touches the referee (Law 9(1))

(b)
when the ball emerges from either end of the tunnel at a scrummage not having been played (Law 20, note (xiv)).

(iii)
When any irregularity of play not provided for in the Laws occurs. a scrummage shall be formed where the irregularity occurred. In deciding which team should put in the ball, the referee should apply Law 20(7).

U.S.A.R.F.U. Directive

An advantage can occur ``during play''. ``During play'' is from the time ``play is attempted to be started or is started,'' until ``play ends.''

Play starts or is attempted to be started:

i.
When, at a kick-off or drop-out, the ball is kicked with the apparent intention of re-starting the game. Play starts whether or not the ball has been kicked with the correct type of kick or at the correct place.

ii.
When, at a line-out, the ball leaves the hand of the player throwing it in. Play starts even if the ball is thrown in at the wrong place or by the wrong team or, at an attempted quick throw-in, even if the ball has been handled by other than the thrower.

iii.
When, at the scrummage, the ball leaves the hand of the player putting it in. However, if there has been no infringement and the ball emerges from either end of the tunnel not having been played, in accord with Law 8 (Note iib), the ball shall be put into the scrummage again.

iv.
When, at a penalty kick, the ball has been kicked.

Play ends:
Either:
When the referee has blown his whistle to stop play

Or:
Before the referee has blown his whistle to stop play, but before when he decides that play has ended in accord with Law 6 (Note vii). A penalty, for foul play while the ball is out of play (Law 26, 3i) should, however, only be awarded for an infringement occurring after the referee has blown his whistle.
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