A
number of new laws will come into force for the first time in the Premier
League when the season kicks off on August 13…
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) announced more than 95
alterations to the laws of the game last season after 18 months of
consultation, with many of the changes trialled at Euro 2016.
Here's an overview of some of the major amendments…
CHANGE 1: Kick-off
As seen at Euro 2016, the ball no longer has to go forward at kick-off. The
previous law stated the ball had to go into the opposition half at the
restart, but it has been changed to allow it to move in any direction, as
long as it "clearly moves". This change has paved the way for one-man
kick-offs, as seen at Euro 2016.
CHANGE 2: Pre-match red cards
Referees will be able to give a player a red card before the match kicks
off. This allows officials to punish red-card offences (e.g. violent
conduct) in the warm-up or as the two teams line up in the tunnel. The new
law states a player may be sent off any time between the pre-match
inspection and when the referee leaves the field at the end of the game.
CHANGE 3: An end to the 'triple-punishment law'
The previous 'triple-punishment' law meant a player who denied a
goal-scoring opportunity in the box was automatically red-carded and handed
a suspension, as well as giving away a penalty.
The law has now been changed so players committing accidental fouls that
deny goal-scoring opportunities in the penalty area will not be
automatically sent off, with a yellow card sufficient punishment.
As the amendment states: "When a denial of a goalscoring opportunity offence
is committed by a defender in the penalty area, the penalty kick effectively
restores the goalscoring opportunity so the punishment for the player should
be less strong (e.g. a yellow card) than when the offence is committed
outside the penalty area. However, when the offence is handball or clearly
not a genuine attempt to play or challenge for the ball, the player will be
sent off."
CHANGE 4: Treating injuries
If a player is fouled and hurt by an opponent who subsequently receives a
yellow or red card for the challenge, the injured player may be quickly
treated on the pitch without the need to leave the field of play.
It was widely seen as unfair that a player injured by a serious foul was
forced off the pitch for treatment, temporarily placing the fouled team at a
numerical disadvantage.
CHANGE 5: Changing boots/equipment
A player who briefly leaves the field (e.g. to change boots) may have his
new boots checked by an assistant referee or fourth official before
returning to play.
Previously, the player required the referee's permission to return.
CHANGE 6: Penalties
Among several minor changes to the laws regarding penalties, potentially the
most interesting is the amendment to yellow card a penalty taker who
"illegally feints" once his run-up is complete. This means slowing to a stop
immediately before shooting is not allowed, with a yellow card and an
indirect free-kick to the opposition the result.
The law does stress feinting during a run-up is still permitted.
CHANGE 7: Infringements by substitutes/team officials
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone was sent to the stands in April after a
member of his backroom team threw a ball onto the pitch during a La Liga
game in an attempt to interrupt an opponent's attack.
To address what was threatening to become a growing trend, the law has been
changed so that if play is stopped due to interference from a team official
or substitute, rather than the award of an indirect free-kick or drop ball,
the referee will now award a free-kick or penalty kick to the opposition.
CHANGE 8: Colour of undergarments
The new rule states undershorts/tights must be the same colour as the main
colour of the shorts or the lowest part of the shorts. This takes into
account shorts with a different coloured hem.
Undershirts must still be the same colour as the main colour of the shirt
sleeve.
CHANGE 9: Offside
A couple of minor clarifications to the offside rule. The law now states the
halfway line is neutral, meaning a player must have part of the body
(excluding arms or hands) in the opponents' half to be flagged offside.
A free-kick resulting from an offside will now always take place where the
offence is committed.
CHANGE 10: Handballs
In an effort to stop referees brandishing yellow cards for every handball,
"preventing an opponent gaining possession" has been removed from the list
of bookable offences.
Handball is now a yellow card offence when "it stops/interferes with a
promising attack".
CHANGE 11: Restarts
The phrase "clearly moves" has been added to the law on restarts, meaning
attempts to trick the opposition by lightly tapping the ball at a corner (or
free-kick) and then dribbling will come to an end. This amendment is part of
a renewed emphasis on what constitutes sporting behaviour "within the spirit
of the game".
CHANGE 12: Player behaviour
Referees have been urged to take a stronger stand on "intolerable behaviour"
by players following a joint statement by the Premier League, English
Football League and FA.
Running to contest decisions, arguing face-to-face with officials, and
"visibly disrespectful" actions will result in yellow cards.
Red cards will be issued to players who confront officials and use insulting
and/or offensive language or gestures towards them.
The aim is to "reduce disrespectful conduct such as aggressively challenging
decisions or running from distance to confront an official."
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