Advantage / Disadvantage is a play-processing concept that helps officials determine whether contact should be penalized. Basketball includes contact on nearly every play, but not all contact is illegal, and not all illegal contact rises to the level of a foul.

This concept asks a simple question:

Did the contact create an advantage for one player or a disadvantage for another?

If the answer is no, then a whistle may not be needed - even if slight illegal contact occurred.

Use the following flowchart for all decision making regarding Advantage / Disadvantage.

Example 1: Shot at the Basket

• A defender makes marginal illegal contact with the shooter
• The shot goes in
• The shooter lands safely
• The contact does not affect the play in a meaningful way

Result:

• There is no advantage/disadvantage
• Therefore, there is no foul

Example 2: Rebounding Play With No Advantage / Disadvantage

• A player going for a rebound is slightly grabbed on the arm
• The player still secures the rebound cleanly

Result:

• There is no advantage/disadvantage
• Therefore, there is no foul

Example 3: Rebounding Play With an Advantage / Disadvantage