New Rules Announced Ahead Of EPL 2016/17 Season

A number of new laws, will come into force for the first time in the Premier League when the season kicks off on August 13th. The International Football Association Board (IFAB), announced more than 95 alterations to the laws of the game last season after 18 months of consultations, with many changes already trialed at Euro 2016. Below is an overview of some of the major amendments;

1. KICK-OFF

As seen at Euro 2016, the ball no longer has to be played forward at kick-off. The previous law stated that the ball had to go into the opposition half at the start of a game, but it has now been changed to allow it move in any direction, as long as it "clearly moves". This change has paved way for one-man kick-offs, as seen at Euro 2016. 

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 at any time between the pre-match inspection and when the referee leaves the field at the end of the game".

3. NO MORE "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 new law, states - "When denial of a goal-scoring opportunity offence is committed by a defender in the penalty area, the penalty kick effectively restores the goal-scoring opportunity so the punishment for the player should be less(e.g yellow card), than when the offence is committed outside the penalty area. However, when the offence is an handball or clearly not a genuine attempt to play or challenge for the ball, the player will be sent". This means that, players who accidentally commit fouls that deny goal-scoring opportunities in the penalty area, will not be automatically sent off, but given a yellow card to serve as sufficient punishment. 

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. 

5. CHANGING BOOT/EQUIPMENT

A player who briefly leaves the field(e.g to change boots or jerseys), may have his new kits checked by an assistant referee or fourth official before returning to the field of play. Previously, the player required the referee's permission to return. 

6. PENALTIES

"Illegal feints (slowing to a stop)" once run-up is complete, will result in a yellow card for the kick taker, and an indirect free-kick to the opposition. The law does stress, feinting during a run-up is still permitted. 

7. INFRINGEMENTS BY SUBSTITUTES/TEAM OFFICIALS

If play is stopped due to interference from a team official or substitute, the referee will award a free-kick or penalty to the opposition. This was done in order to address the growing trend where officials and team mates disturb the free flow of a game. 

8. COLOR OF UNDER GARMENT

The new rule states - "undershorts/tights, must be the same color as the main color of the shorts or the lowest part of the shorts; Undershirts must still be the same color as the main color of the shirt sleeve".

9. OFF-SIDE

The new rule states - "The halfway line is neutral, meaning a player must have part of hid body(excluding arms or hands) in the opponent's half to be flagged offside. A free-kick resulting from an offside will now always take place where the offence is committed". 

10. HANDBALLS 

The new rule states - "Handball is now a yellow card offence when "it stops/interferes with a promising attack". This is an effort to stop referees from brandishing yellow cards for every handball.

11. RESTARTS

No more dribbling or gently tapping the ball at a corner kick. The new law states that - "the ball must clearly move", with emphasis placed on clearly moves. 

12. PLAYER BEHAVIOR

Red cards will be issued to players who; run to contest decisions, argue face-to-face with officials, and "visibly disrespect" the officials. The aim of this is to "reduce disrespectful conduct such as aggressively challenging decisions or running from a distance to confront an official".