Advantage - Disadvantage

[BillyMac]

From JRutledge: "First of all advantage/disadvantage is written in the rulebook. It is not talked about in the exact terms of "advantage/disadvantage" but it is talked about in the incidental contact rules (Rule 4-27). This rule very clearly states that all contact is not a foul and if normal actions by an offensive or defensive player are not hindered, then a foul should not be called. The rule even says that contact that is severe is not necessarily a foul either"

JRutledge is correct. In addition to advantage/disadvantage being in 4-27 of the Rule Book, it can also be found on page 10:

The Intent And Purpose Of The Rules

The restrictions which the rules place upon the players are intended to create a balance of play; to provide equal opportunity between the offense and the defense; to provide equal opportunity between the small player and the tall player; to provide reasonable safety and protection; to create an atmosphere of sporting behavior and fair play; and to emphasis cleverness and skill without unduly limiting freedom of action of individual or team play on either offense or defense.

Therefore, it is important to know the intent and purpose of a rule so that it may be intelligently applied in each play situation. A player of a team should not be permitted an advantage which is not intended by a rule. Neither should play be permitted to develop which may lead to placing a player at a disadvantage not intended by a rule.