When should a referee stop play for a player gaining an advantage through contact?

A referee should stop play when a player gains an advantage through contact in various scenarios, including when a player contacts the official’s table, touches the team bench, or hits the wall. Each of these situations can disrupt the flow of the game and provide an unfair advantage or lead to unsafe play.

When a player contacts the official’s table, it signifies a violation that could influence the game’s outcome, either by obstruction or by physically impeding another player. Touching the team bench might indicate a player is trying to gain an unfair advantage or distract others during play, which is not permissible. Similarly, hitting the wall can not only provide an unintentional advantage but also pose a risk of injury, making it vital for the referee to intervene. By stopping play in any of these scenarios, the referee helps maintain fairness and safety in the game.