The laws have been extensively re-written, for clarification (so it states).
It took me over one hour to read from cover to cover, to identify the difference between (a) clarification (b) minor changes to account for obscure situations (c) major changes affecting games on a regular basis.
I have identified three major changes, which we as supporters need to be aware of, to enhance our knowledge and enjoyment of games.
1. The ball can now be played backwards at the start of the game and restart following goals, half time etc.
2. A defender conceding a foul by a mischallenged tackle in a "goalscoring opportunity" situation shall be cautioned rather than sent off. It remains however that players will be sent off for holding, tripping, deliberate handball etc and tackling when, in the opinion of the referee, there in no chance of a tackle being successful, in a "goalscoring opportunity".
3. A player who is fouled and the opponent receives a yellow or red card, does not need to leave the field of play for and after treatment, if the stoppage is not considered lengthy by the referee.
If others on here spot changes that I have missed, then please add to this thread.
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sending offs pre kick off is the other main one
3) No one will argue that the law was stupid and needed to change. But what on earth constitutes a "lengthy stoppage"? Again it's subjective and is going to lead to vastly different decisions by different referees, and even inconsistent decisions by the same ref in the same game, causing complaints and confusion. If it's lengthy then it's just common sense the player may have to go off for treatment, but why still have to go off after treatment?
And why does it have to be a booking? A foul is a foul and players do get injured by fouls that aren't bookable offences. Plus again there's always inconsistencies with refs decisions for the punishment for fouls.
If it's a foul then the fouled team should not be penalised, simple. If the Ref thinks the fouled player is taking the p then he can deal with that separately.
The ruling about taking a player down verses chopping a player down is going to lead to some controversy.
I know you're just the messenger mate just bemused that once again the lawmakers take something which should be simple and mess it up by trying to be clever.
If we are talking about injuries and leaving the field of play, then I offer the following opinion.
The law whereby a player had to leave the field of play following treatment for an injury was brought in stop feigning injuries to waste time. It was thought that the disadvantage of team playing with ten men, albeit for a short period, would reduce such feigned injuries. I agree with the actions and logic behind behind them
The change now recognises that in the case of "real" injury, the team should not be disadvantaged; and I guess the only recognition of a real injury, as opposed to a feigned injury, is the severity of the foul. Again, I agree (now you can shoot the messenger boy) !!
The concept of red and yellow cards, based upon traffic lights (yellow for a warning/caution and red for danger) were first suggested by an English referee in the 50's (?) (I have forgotten his name - Arthur someone) to overcome the language barrier that existed at a time when English was not an international language in football circles (ie when most players only played football in their native country). Using a yellow card was a way of telling a foreign player with no knowledge of the same language as the referee that he has reached his last chance.
there has to be an attempt to play the ball which isn't the case if you're taking one for the team
obviously this is going to come down to the ref's interpretation though
The law makers in football act in a similar way to cricket where every step to a more logical approach usually includes details that do the opposite (eg 'light' conditions and overs per day etc).
I don't buy this ' it's all part of the game'. It's not, and it must be contravening at least one law, if not more. Just the same as deliberate handball.