The laws of the game

The laws of the game
How many football fans head to the match at the weekend and hurl abuse at the officials when a decision does not go their way?

A lot, we suspect. And sometimes – whisper it – the fans are wrong.

But not wishing to sound smug, how many BBC Scotland commentators and pundits really understand the rules of the game?

Hugh Dallas, the Scottish Football Association’s head of refereeing development, visited BBC Scotland at Pacific Quay in Glasgow to give his interpretation of four new rules that have been introduced this season by the 123rd Annual General Meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB).

First, here is what Hugh had to say about the changes to the technical area. Only one person is allowed to coach in the technical area but everyone in the technical area must behave responsibly.

Referee guidelines – technical area

Secondly, there is a new rule affecting penalty kicks. A player can feint as much as he likes in the run-up but once the run-up is complete there can be no further feinting.

If the player scores from the penalty spot having illegally feinted, the player should expect to be booked and the penalty re-taken. Should the player miss he should still expect a booking but an indirect free-kick.

Referee guidelines – penalties

Then there is the new rule on the role of the fourth official, who now has the same power as the assistant referees but will only use that power in major incidents. Also, clubs are now responsible for preparing boards for substitutions.

Referee guidelines – fourth official

Finally, we hear Hugh’s guidelines on how officials should deal with injured players. Stretcher-bearers can only come on after a signal from the referee and the only time players can receive treatment and not have to leave the park is if one team has two injuries.