*_NEW RULES IN THE 2016/17 PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON_*
★ *CHANGE 1: ```Kick-off```*
The kick-off restart can now go backwards
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```*
It will now be possible to get a red card before the match starts
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'```*
Players may only receive a yellow card if they concede a penalty
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```*
Players
will be able to receive treatment quickly on the pitch if they are
injured in a challenge that results in a yellow or red card
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```*
Assistant referees or fourth officials will be able to check players before they return to the pitch
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```*
Feinting once the run-up is complete will result in a yellow card for the taker
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 ```*
Diego Simeone watched much of Atletico Madrid's win over Malaga from the stand after he was sent off
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```*
Hector Bellerin's undershorts are the same colour as his shorts
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```*
The offside rule has once again been clarified
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```*
Yellow cards will be awarded when handballs prevent a promising attacking opportunity
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```*
When taking a corner, the ball must clearly move
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 asked to clamp down on situations when players contest their decisions
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."
A complete breakdown of the amendments to the laws of the game can be found on FIFA's website.
