In the 2016/17 season, the PSL will be implementing new laws of the game, following leagues that have done so around the world. We take a look at some of the major changes.
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In January, FIFA approved a new set of laws, which first came into effect at the European Championships in June and we have since seen them taken on board in leagues around the world. While there are a large number of rule changes that took place, today we take a look at some of the most significant of those changes.
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Starting the game
While the old law said that the ball must go forward at the start of the game, players are now allowed to kick it in any direction, as long as it moves. This is why we are now seeing many teams use just one man to get matches underway, as opposed to the familiar sight of two players starting things off.
Pre-match red cards
While referees used to have no control over players' actions prior to the start of the game, they are now able to send a player off at any time following the pre-match inspection. So fights in the build up to the game will now see players sent off. However, both teams will still start with 11 men and one of the three substitutions can be used.
Triple punishment law revoked
The most significant law change is the removal of the so-called 'triple punishment' where a player and a team can be hit with a red card, a penalty and a subsequent suspension for the denial of a goalscoring opportunity. It is no longer an automatic red card if a player or goalkeeper fouls an opponent while acting as the last line of defence; where a genuine attempt has been made to play the ball. Officials will be allowed to give a penalty and only book the offender. But deliberate fouls - including holding, pulling or pushing, not playing the ball, serious foul play, violent conduct or deliberate handball in order to deny a goalscoring opportunity - will still result in dismissal.
Leaving the field after treatment
If a player is injured by a challenge that is punishable by a red or yellow card, he will now be able to receive treatment on the pitch in order to prevent his team from temporarily going down to 10 men.
Quick return
If a player goes off to change his boots, he used to have to wait until the game is stopped and the referee had to go and check his boots before he can play again. Now his boots can be checked by the fourth official, the assistant referee even, and he can come back during play.
Offside rule
A free-kick will be given from the position where the player committed the offside offence, instead of in line with the last defender..
Common sense
Referees are now encouraged to officiate in the spirit of the game and according to common sense. If a minor offense is committed, it will be reported to the authorities after the game and sorted out afterwards, but disrupting the game through strict officiating (such as calling a game off for a broken corner flag) will now no longer happen.
Penalty shootouts
If a player is sent off during a penalty shootout, both teams will be reduced to ten men, so that, if the shootout goes all the way to 10 spot-kicks, the next kick taker won't be the offending team's best penalty taker, while the other team's worst player takes their kick.
