New amendments boost game

A number of amendments to the Laws of the Game came into force this month.

One of the major amendments is to Law 14 regarding what happens at the taking of a penalty kick.

The change states that the kicker may feint when running up to take the penalty but must not make any movement considered to be feinting just before kicking the ball.

If the referee deems the player to have broken this law he will be cautioned and the penalty re-taken.

Many will ask why should there be a re-take. The answer is simple... when the action (feinting) took place, the ball was not in play. So, a player taking a penalty cannot make a sudden change in direction when kicking the ball.

This is not an easy law to apply at the best of times and now the referee must also look out for feinting as well as ensuring that other players do not enter the penalty area before a kick is taken.

An interesting amendment to Law 5, especially for teams, is that referring to injured players.

A clause has been added which says the referee must stop play when players from the same team collide and are injured. The referee must allow them to be treated on the field of play.

In other words, the same as it is for goalkeepers. Previously, both injured players had to leave the field of play for medication but now the International Board felt it is unfair for a team to lose two players who have to go off for treatment as this would leave their team at a numerical disadvantage.

The duties of the fourth official have also been beefed up.

Now, it is specifically stated that he/she must assist the referee to control the match in accordance with the Laws. As the law stood before, the fourth official could indicate to the referee such things as a wrong player being cautioned or violent conduct behind any of the officials' back.

Now, the amendment is increasing the scope to assist the referee by allowing him/her to give support and advice not only limited to what was specifically stated before.

The fourth official can offer advice about what action might be taken when any type of infringement occurs.

Ref commands

However, it must be said that the referee retains the authority to decide on all points connected with play. In other words, the referee can accept or reject the advice given by the fourth official.

The International Board felt it necessary to approve these amendments to facilitate the flow of the game and improve discipline and fair play.

It is now important for players and supporters to understand why a referee has taken a decision as related above. Our referees have already been instructed about how to react to given situations.

The World Cup, which kicks off in a few days, will be the first important tournament where these amendments will apply.