NEW FOOTBALL LAW CHANGES COMING INTO EFFECT THIS SUMMER!!
All changes come into force on 1st June 2019. Competitions starting before that date may apply the changes from the start of their competition, at an agreed point during the competition (e.g. after the mid-season break) or may delay them until no later than the start of the next competition.
Summary of main Law changes 2019/20
The following summarises the main Law changes for 2019/20 with an explanation for the changes (in alphabetical order).
​
Dropped ball
Laws 8 &
Changes
•If play is stopped inside the penalty area, the ball will be dropped for the goalkeeper
•If play is stopped outside the penalty area, the ball will be dropped for one player of •the team that last touched the ball at the point of the last touch
•In all cases, all the other players (of both teams) must be at least 4m (4.5yds) away
If the ball touches the referee (or another match official) and goes into the goal, team possession changes or a promising attack starts, a dropped ball is awarded
Explanation
•The current dropped ball procedure often leads to a ‘manufactured’ restart which is ‘exploited’ unfairly (e.g. kicking the ball out for a throw-in deep in the opponents’ half) or an aggressive confrontation. Returning the ball to the team that last played it restores what was ‘lost’ when play was stopped, except in the penalty area where it is simpler to return the ball to the goalkeeper. To prevent that team gaining an unfair advantage, all players of both teams, except the player receiving the ball, •must be at least 4m (4.5 yds) away.
It can be very unfair if a team gains an advantage or scores a goal because the ball has hit a match official, especially the referee.
Free kicks
Law 13
•Changes
When there is a ‘wall’ of three or more defenders, the attackers are not allowed
within 1m (1 yd) of the wall; an attacker less than 1m (1yd) from the ‘wall’ when the •kick is taken will be penalised with an indirect free kick
When the defending team takes a free kick in their own penalty area, the ball is in play once the kick is taken; it does not have to leave the penalty area before it can be played
Explanation
•Attackers standing very close to, or in, the defensive ‘wall’ at a free kick often cause management problems and waste time. There is no legitimate tactical justification for attackers to be in the ‘wall’ and their presence is against the ‘spirit of the game’ •and often damages the image of the game.
The experiment where, at a defending team free kick in the penalty area, the ball is in play once it is kicked and does not have to leave the penalty area, has produced a faster and more constructive restart. Opponents must remain outside the penalty area and at least 9.15m away until the ball is in play. The same change has been made to the goal kick (see Law 16).
Goal celebrations
Law 12
Changes
•A YC for an ‘illegal’ celebration (e.g. removing the shirt) remains even if the goal is disallowed
Explanation
Cautions for inappropriate goal celebrations apply even if the goal is disallowed as the impact (safety, image of the game etc.) is the same as if the goal was awarded.
Goal kick
Law 16
Changes
•The ball is in play once the kick is taken; it can be played before leaving the penalty area
Explanation
The experiment that at a goal kick the ball is in play once it is kicked, and does not have to leave the penalty area, has created a faster and more dynamic/constructive restart to the game. It has reduced the time ‘lost/wasted’ including stopping the tactic of ‘wasting’ time when a defender deliberately plays the ball before it leaves the penalty area knowing that all that will happen is the goal kick will be retaken. Opponents must remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play.
Handball
Law 12
Changes
the ball touches a player’s hand/arm which has made their body unnaturally •bigger
Deliberate handball remains an offence
he following ‘handball’ situations, even if accidental, will be a free kick: •the ball goes into the goal after touching an attacking player’s hand/arm
a player gains control/possession of the ball after it has touches their hand/arm •and then scores, or creates a goal-scoring opportunity
the ball touches a player’s hand/arm when it is above their shoulder (unless the player has deliberately played the ball which then touches their hand/arm.
•The following will not usually be a free kick, unless they are one of the above situations:
•the ball touches a player’s hand/arm directly from their own head/body/foot or •the head/body/foot of another player who is close/near
the ball touches a player’s hand/arm which is close to their body and has not •made their body unnaturally bigger
if a player is falling and the ball touches their hand/arm when it is between their
body and the ground to support the body (but not extended to make the body •bigger)
If the goalkeeper attempts to ‘clear’ (release into play) a throw-in or deliberate kick from a team-mate but the ‘clearance’ fails, the goalkeeper can then handle the ball
Explanation
Greater clarity is needed for handball, especially on those occasions when ‘non- d•eliberate’ handball is an offence. The re-wording follows a number of principles:
•football does not accept a goal being scored by a hand/arm (even if accidental)
football expects a player to be penalised for handball if they gain possession/control
of the ball from their hand/arm and gain a major advantage e.g. score or create a •goal-scoring opportunity
it is natural for a player to put their arm between their body and the ground for •support when falling.
having the hand/arm above shoulder height is rarely a ‘natural’ position and a
player is ‘taking a risk’ by having the hand/arm in that position, including when •sliding
if the ball comes off the player’s body, or off another player (of either team) who is •close by, onto the hands/arms it is often impossible to avoid contact with the ball
When the GK clearly kicks or tries to kick the ball into play, this shows no intention to handle the ball so, if the ‘clearance’ attempt is unsuccessful, the goalkeeper can then handle the ball without committing an offence
Kick-off
Law 8
Changes
The team that wins the toss can now choose to take the kick-off or which goal to
attack (previously they only had the choice of which goal to attack)
Explanation
Recent Law changes have made the kick-off more dynamic (e.g. a goal can be scored directly from the kick-off) so captains winning the toss often ask to take the kick-off.
Medical breaks
Changes
•Difference between ‘cooling’ breaks (90 secs – 3 mins) and ‘drinks’ breaks (max 1 min)
Explanation
In the interests of player safety, competition rules may allow, in certain weather conditions (e.g. high humidity and temperatures), ‘cooling’ breaks (from ninety seconds to three minutes) to allow the body’s temperature to fall; they are different from ‘drinks’ breaks (maximum one minute) which are for rehydration.
Penalty kick
Law 14
Changes
•The team’s penalty taker can have (quick) treatment/assessment and then take the kick
The goalkeeper must not be touching the goalposts/crossbar/nets; they must not be •moving
The goalkeeper must have at least part of one foot on/in line with the goal line when the kick is taken; cannot stand behind the line
•Explanation
It is unfair if the kicker needs assessment/treatment and then has to leave the field
•and cannot take the penalty kick.
The referee must not signal for the penalty kick to be taken if the goalkeeper is
touching the goalposts, crossbar or net, or if they are moving e.g. the goalkeeper •has kicked/shaken them
Goalkeepers are not permitted to stand in front of or behind the line. Allowing the goalkeeper to have only one foot touching the goal line (or, if jumping, in line with the goal line) when the penalty kick is taken is a more practical approach as it is easier to identify if both feet are not on the line. As the kicker can ‘stutter’ in the run, it is reasonable that the goalkeeper can take one step in anticipation of the kick.
Players’ equipment
Law 4
Changes
•Multi-coloured/patterned undershirts are allowed if they are the same as the sleeve of the main shirt
Explanation
Manufacturers now make patterned undershirts whose sleeves are the same as the main shirt sleeve; these should be allowed as they help match officials’ decision-making.
Quick free kick and YC/RC
Law 12
•Changes
If the referee is about to issue a YC/RC but the non-offending team takes the free kick quickly and creates a goal-scoring opportunity, the referee can delay the YC/RC until the next stoppage if the offending team was not distracted by the referee
Explanation
Occasionally, an attack is stopped by a cautionable (YC) or sending-off (RC) offence and the attacking team takes a quick free kick which restores the ‘lost’ attack; it is clearly ‘unfair’ if this ‘new’ attack is stopped to issue the YC/RC. However, if the referee has distracted the offending team by starting the YC/RC procedure, the quick free kick is not allowed. For a DOGSO offence, the player will be cautioned (YC) and not sent-off (RC) because the attack was re-started (as when advantage is applied for a DOGSO offence).
Substitutes
Law 3
•Changes
A player who is being substituted must leave the field by the nearest point on the touchline/goal line (unless the referee indicates the player can leave quickly/ immediately at the halfway line or a different point because of safety, injury etc.)
Explanation
To stop a player who is being substituted ‘wasting’ time by leaving slowly at the halfway line (which is not a Law requirement) the player must leave at the nearest point (as with an injury) unless the referee indicates otherwise, e.g. if the player can leave quickly at the halfway line, there is a safety/security issue or the player leaves on a stretcher. The player must go immediately to the technical area or dressing room to avoid problems with substitutes, spectators, or the match officials. A player who infringes the spirit of this Law should be sanctioned for unsporting behaviour i.e. delaying the restart of play.
Team officials
Laws 5 & 12•
Changes
A team official guilty of misconduct will be shown a YC (caution) or RC (sending-
off)*; if the offender cannot be identified, the senior coach who is in the technical
area at the time will receive the YC/RC * Law 12 will have a list of YC/RC offences
Explanation
The experiment with YC/RC for misconduct by team officials has been successful and has revealed many benefits at all levels, including for young referees dealing with ‘difficult’ adult coaches. If the offender cannot be identified, the senior team official (usually the main coach) in the technical area will receive the YC/RC (as the person responsible for the other team officials).

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 Great year for East Gwent Referees Association...

So with the 2018/2019 season coming to a close, we look back and reflect on the benefit that it has to be part of a Referees Association and in particular in East Gwent.

This year has seen the most Guest Speaker evenings and some of the highest attendances in percentage of members over the last few years in the EGRA.

With the demand for Referees all across the country ever growing, as an Association we feel its really important for Referees and Members to have somewhere to go and enhance their skill set and be given the knowledge and guidance to improve their on pitch performance.

This season we have had 4 guest speakers, which has included former International Officials, Current FIFA Referee and one of our own Gwent Referees who has progressed through the ranks to Welsh Premier Match Referee.

​
​BRYN MARKHAM-JONES (FIFA REFEREE)

In September Welsh Premier and International Referee Bryn Markham-Jones visited us for our first guest speaker evening of the season.

Bryn held an informative and educational session called 'Controlling the Controlable'.

This gave our members a good insight into how you can try and manage certain situations and also the ability to build a player for an effective caution.

​GAVIN TOWNSEND (WELSH PREMIER REFEREE)

In February we welcomed Gwent Referee and now Welsh Premier Referee Gavin Townsend.

Gavin who is a North Gwent Referee is currently flying the flag for the county in terms of Refereeing. Still heavily involved with supporting local leagues and youth football, he came along and shared his experience with our members.

On the evening we looked at managin dissent and recognising the difference between that and foul and abusive language.

The East Gwent Referees Association would like to thank the continued support of Guest Speakers. These sessions are crucial for the continued development and education of Referees and members at all levels.

Talks are already in place with Guest Speakers for next season and these will be announce in due course.

FEBRUARY GUEST SPEAKER EVENING....

So this Monday the East Gwent Referees Association welcome long serving Gwent Referee Gavin Townsend to our meeting as guest speaker.

Gavin who has been a popular official with many clubs, referees and associations over the years is coming to share his experience with our members.

Last Season Gavin was promoted to the status of Welsh Premier Referee, officiating on some of the Wales's top National Games.

In his spare time Gavin has recently joined the fire service and loves to work with other referees to improve not only their game, but train with other officials to keep improving fitness levels across the board.

As a member of the North Gwent, he designed and managed their website and had a big influence in increasing awareness of the referee shortage and help in the planning of key events and guest speaker evenings for the it's members.

This Monday during our meeting, Gavin is going to look into the subject of gaining respect, knowing how to deal with certain situations and also techniques on how to manage and distinguish between dissent and foul and abusive language. 

Guest speaker evening will start from 7pm and this is open to all referees to attend, including those outside the East Gwent Referees' Association. If your not a member of the EGRA and you would like to attend then please just email egra.secretary@gmail.com and state that you wish to attend.

​Look forward to seeing you all there!
Mark Gardiner
​EGRA Secretary

EGRA is pleased to confirm that we will have FIFA Referee Bryn Markham-Jones as guest speaker on Thursday 13th September 2018 at 'The Cellar', Caldicot.

His topic for the evening is 'Controlling the controllable'.

As we agreed during the AGM, we asked that you bring £2.00 for the Raffle on Guest Speaker evenings as it helps pay towards the food.

This evening is open to all referees, including those not part of the EGRA and will be starting at 19:30pm. If you would like to attend the evening then please email egra.secretary@gmail.com.

​It's that time of year when we are starting to plan for this years Christmas Meal.

At the meeting on Thursday it was discussed that we will hold the Christmas Meal this year at 'The Cellar' in Caldicot on Thursday 13th December 2018.

The pub has received great feedback on food and improved facilities and as we know from holding our meetings there it's in a comfy enviroment.

I have attached the menus for you to choose from BELOW!

Please enter your food and cost on the link below, to make it easier to order with the pub.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1eAccXpLNBL0XHbTyNUEq4pSwuolQDcVe6ysDVuZ_g3E/edit?usp=sharing

£5.00 deposits per head need to be collected no later than the September meeting, so it can be paid to the pub on that evening.

This Christmas Meal is open to friends and family. Add their names and food choices on the link above.

Following the May East Gwent Referees Association AGM, new officers for the new season have been appointed.

Chairman - Phil Bates
Vice-Chairman - Gary Lucas

Secretary - Mark Gardiner
Assistant Secretaries - Paul Fieldsend & Terry Preece

Treasurer - Rodger Shewell

Training Officers - Mark Gardiner, Steve Richards, Alan Henderson & Richard Beach (Fitness)

Gwent County Representatives - All of the above, plus Alan Henderson and Jason Thomas.

Congratulations to those appointed to their roles for the upcoming Season.

EGRA Welcomes back two familiar faces and a brand new member.

At the November Meeting this Thursday, Paul Jones and Mark Pring returned to the Association as members and registered again as Referees. This is a welcome return for two very popular referees after some time out.

Also we welcomed our newest member Chris Morgan, who is currently completing the Referees course of instruction in Cwmbran.

I am pleased to confirm that for both the February and April 2018 meetings, the EGRA will welcome two very popular faces to our Association.

​Craig Greenstock (Pictured Left) will be attending in February to talk about the game through a match delegates eyes and the things they look out for when coming to visit Referees. Hopefully giving our Referees some top tips and prevent them losing silly marks when it comes to them times you are  due to be coached or assessed.

​To close the Guest Speaker evenings for the season, we welcome former FIFA Referee and current FAW Fitness coach Mark Whitby to our April Meeting. This meeting will hopefully set our Referees up with good training plans and practices throughout the summer and further aid them to successful completion of fitness tests for promotions etc.

More details will be forwarded to members prior to the evenings, but they are two to definitely look forward to.

Mark Gardiner
​EGRA Secretary

Darren Adie, Former East Gwent Referees Association Chairman, FAW Referee Development Officer for Gwent and Referee has decided to hang up his boots to spend more time with his family.

He spent most of his career as an Official on the Welsh Premier League as both a Referee and Assistant. During his time as an Assistant he represented his country as a FIFA Assistant Referee for a number of years, before opting to take up the Refereeing route in the WPL.

Alongside his Refereeing, Darren also wanted to share his experience by helping younger Referees develop and became the FAW Referees Development Officer for Gwent.

Darren trained and devloped a number of EGRA members and helped them achieve their goal in reaching the Welsh Premier League as an Assistant Referee.

We would like to thank Darren for all his work and guidance over the years and wish him the best for the future.

LAW 1 – THE FIELD OF PLAY

• Artificial turf may be used for the lines on a grass field if not dangerous

LAW 3 – THE PLAYERS

• National FAs can allow a maximum of five substitutions (except at the top level)
• National FAs can now allow return substitutions in youth, veterans and disability football
• Clearer wording for the substitution procedure
• A substitution made at half-time without informing referee is not a caution (YC) offence
• Changing the goalkeeper at half-time without informing the referee is not a caution (YC)
• Player who enters the field of play without the referee’s permission (if it is required) and interferes is punished with a direct free kick (FK)
• Team scoring a goal with an extra person on the field is punished with a direct FK

LAW 4 – THE PLAYERS’ EQUIPMENT

• Goalkeeper caps are not included in the list of restrictions on head covers
• Players are not permitted to wear/use any electronic or communication equipment, except electronic performance and tracking systems/EPTS); technical staff may only use communication equipment for safety/welfare issues
• All EPTS equipment must bear a minimum safety standard mark

LAW 5 – THE REFEREE

• Important statement that decisions made by match officials must always be respected
• National FAs can allow temporary dismissals (sin bins) for some/all cautions (YC) in youth, veterans, disability and grassroots football (Guidelines for both systems will be published)
• A medical official guilty of a dismissible offence may stay/treat players if no other medical person is available for the team

LAW 7 – THE DURATION OF THE MATCH

• A short drinks break is permitted at half-time of extra time

LAW 8 – THE START AND RESTART OF PLAY

• Kicker can stand in the opponents’ half at the kick-off

LAW 10 – DETERMINING THE OUTCOME OF A MATCH

• Extra time must be two equal periods, maximum 15 minutes each

Kicks from the penalty mark (KFPM)

• Corrected wording for goalkeeper who is unable to continue
• Excluded player may replace a goalkeeper even if team has used all its permitted substitutes
• Kicker may not play the ball a second time
• A goalkeeper who offends and the penalty has to be retaken must be cautioned (YC)
• If the kicker offends the kick is forfeited (recorded as ‘missed’)
• If the goalkeeper and kicker offend at the same time:
  • retake and two cautions (YCs) if no goal is scored
  • if a goal is scored the kicker is cautioned (YC) and kick recorded as ‘missed’

LAW 11 – OFFSIDE

• An offside player can be penalised if the ball rebounds/deflects off a match official
• Addition of ‘attempts to’ to the definition of a ‘save’
• Offside guidance:
  • player in offside position who impedes an opponent must be penalised
  • a player in offside position who is fouled before committing an offside offence – foul penalised
  • player in offside position who is fouled when already committing an offside offence – offside penalised

LAW 12 – FOULS AND MISCONDUCT

• Verbal offences are punished with an indirect FK
• If an advantage is played for a sending-off (RC) and the player commits another offence, that offence is penalised
• A player ‘stopping a promising attack’ in the penalty area is not cautioned (YC) if the offence was an attempt to play the ball
• Addition to list of cautions (YCs) for a ‘denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity’ (DOGSO) offence in the penalty area which was an attempt to play the ball
• Caution (YC) for goal celebration which causes safety/ security issue
• If player moves diagonally to pass the last defender/goalkeeper this can still be a DOGSO
• Clearer DOGSO wording for a penalty area offence which is an attempt to play the ball
• Entering the field of play without permission and stopping a goal or DOGSO is a sendingoff
• Off-field offence by/against a player involving opposing player/substitute/team official (or against a match official) is penalised by FK on the boundary line if the ball is in play
• Direct FK for throwing or kicking ball/object onto the field to interfere with play/someone
• Direct FK on boundary line for throwing or kicking ball/object at someone off the field

LAW 13 – FREE KICKS

• Attacker in or entering the penalty area before a defensive FK has left the area cannot

play or challenge for the ball until it has been touched by another player
LAW 14 – THE PENALTY KICK

• Kicker must be clearly identified
• If the goalkeeper and kicker offend at the same time:
  • retake and two cautions (YCs) if no goal is scored
  • if a goal is scored the kicker is cautioned (YC) and kick recorded as ‘missed’ (see Law 10)
• Goal can be awarded after outside interference if the ball still goes in the goal

LAW 16 – THE GOAL KICK

• Attacker entering the penalty area cannot play or challenge for the ball until it is touched by another player

The EGRA are privileged to welcome back Guest Speaker and FAW Assistant Referee Specialist Coach Steve Hames.

Steve will be talking to members at the November Meeting being held on Thursday 14th November 2013. 

Please make every effort to attend the meeting as this will provide great training.