Hatchet job to old rulebook is good for game
To some it’s football’s bible, to others it should have been written in braille.
A tome that won’t threaten the bestsellers’ list and, on first impression, a torturous boreathon.
The referee’s rulebook, the 132-year-old laws of the game, has had a hatchet taken to it.
It has shrunk from 22,500 to 12,500 words.
Having seen the revised edition, it’s fair to say it’s far from couldn’t-put-it- down material–but the consequences of the 94 changes are considerable.
SFA ref chief John Fleming last week hosted a media briefing to explain the amendments – welcome to a new season, as anarchy is about to reign.
It’s the biggest shake- up since some bright spark decided to blow up a pig’s bladder and put the boot through it.
To simplify the game, a red pen has been put through a host of old pedantic rules and regulations.
All of the changes should be welcomed but fans will have to get their heads around some of their tinkerings.
Here’s an example, a striker races through on goal but is taken out by the keeper in an attempt to get the ball.
So the red card comes out, a penalty is awarded and the goalie is banned for the follow game? The triple whammy is no more – it’s still a penalty but the keeper stays on the pitch if his crime isn’t deemed cynical.
The same rule applies to outfield players – if they take out somebody in the box but the ref thinks it wasn’t a cynical challenge then it will only be a yellow card.
Two others that will be instantly noticeable include:
The ball not having to move forward at kick-offs.
Players staying on the field after treatment but only if the tackle that caused their injury earned a yellow or red card. Fleming insisted the rulebook was no longer f it for purpose and said: “It has been made easier to understand.
“The vast majority of changes are cosmetic but five practical interpretations are sure to catch the eye of fans.”
The new season is almost on us – the flash points, controversies and disputes are fast approaching and the supporters must now educate themselves on the changes to the laws.
There will be head scratching – and worse – from supporters left puzzled as our whistlers begin to implement the new regulations.
But the changes should be welcomed.
In life and in football, never judge a book by its cover.
A red pen has been put through a host of old pedantic rules and regulations