Changes to be aware of for 2025/26 season

[RefereeX]

Quite right! (As usual)
My guess is that the initial three seconds will be the issue among weaker referees, with an estimate of three seconds stretching.
Referees failing to apply the 6-seconds limit resulted in this law change so we will need a seed change in attitudes among referees and goalkeepers if it is to work.
We will see

Agree. In a sense.
Not sure it will only be an issue in among weaker referees, as I think you’ll see some stronger referees stretching it to aid match control in some situations. But don’t disagree with your overall sentiment. Think that must be deliberate that we only count 5 rather than 8 so there is still some wiggle room, rather than zero wiggle room if we have to count all 8.

 

[ChasObserverRefDeveloper]

Agree. In a sense.
Not sure it will only be an issue in among weaker referees, as I think you’ll see some stronger referees stretching it to aid match control in some situations. But don’t disagree with your overall sentiment. Think that must be deliberate that we only count 5 rather than 8 so there is still some wiggle room, rather than zero wiggle room if we have to count all 8.

Once wiggle room is seen as acceptable we will be back where we were

 

[RefereeX]

Once wiggle room is seen as acceptable we will be back where we were

I agree. Lets wait and see how it plays out. Fingers crossed it has a positive impact!

 

[Runner Ref]

Agree. In a sense.
Not sure it will only be an issue in among weaker referees, as I think you’ll see some stronger referees stretching it to aid match control in some situations. But don’t disagree with your overall sentiment. Think that must be deliberate that we only count 5 rather than 8 so there is still some wiggle room, rather than zero wiggle room if we have to count all 8.

I'm intrigued to see how it works, but I think it will be strictly administered in the first few weeks, as other changes are. Then after that, it will be used as a very very flexible tool. Which is basically where we are now.

The law is already there, crystal clear. It was the following of it that was the problem.

 

[Quarryref]

I think we can safely predict that goalkeepers will want to take it to edge if their team is narrowly ahead in the latter stages.

That means marginal calls (oh joy) and the need to be clear when the ball is 'released'.

The key phrase is 'controls the ball with their hand(s)/arm(s) for more than eight seconds before releasing it.'

As the goalkeeper is considered to be in control of the ball 'when bouncing it on the ground or throwing it in the air' :

- If he drop kicks it, has he released the ball when it leaves his hands or when he kicks it ? There can easily be half a second difference. Logic would say he can't be challenged whilst taking a drop kick, so it should be when it leaves his foot ?
- Same thing if he throws it in the air and then heads it, knees it, kicks it, or just lets it hit the ground ? Is release the point it leaves his hand or the point it is no longer deemed in his control ?

 

[Russell Jones]

From my PL2 experience last season, it works really well overall. Acts as a deterrent to keepers taking the proverbial and everyone adjusts to the new reality.

That said, my prediction is that the biggest issue will be in regard to an increase in attackers attempting to delay quick release … and a consequent need to clarify exactly what is actually allowed in that regard and what needs to be clamped down on

 

[Refollie]

Personally I’ll be bringing the keepers in with the captains before the toss for pre season friendlies to explain this… I’m not sure most people at grassroots level are going to be aware of the change

 

[one]

On the count signal, I think it would be beneficial (borrowed from futsal) to bring the hand down and then back up for every count.
- it mimics the 1001, 1002.. physically to get the duration more accurate
- it is more animated and attracting more attention
- much less chance of confusing it with an IFK signal
- it actually helps get your fingers in order to show every count (go on... try it )

 

[one]

That said, my prediction is that the biggest issue will be in regard to an increase in attackers attempting to delay quick release … and a consequent need to clarify exactly what is actually allowed in that regard and what needs to be clamped down on

Again borrowed from futal, I wouldn't start the count until they have a chance to release it and reset the count if attackers interrupt. They soon get the message.

 

[JamesL]

Another thing to be aware of is that the count doesn't end at 1. It ends at zero. But everyone will expect it to be on 1.

 

[Steve Fall]

On the count signal, I think it would be beneficial (borrowed from futsal) to bring the hand down and then back up for every count.
- it mimics the 1001, 1002.. physically to get the duration more accurate
- it is more animated and attracting more attention
- much less chance of confusing it with an IFK signal
- it actually helps get your fingers in order to show every count (go on... try it )

Same in Beach Soccer but that changed to a sideways arm movement. And means its a more consistant count.

 

[one]

Same in Beach Soccer but that changed to a sideways arm movement. And means its a more consistant count.

Futsal also but I think in football hand straight up is better for visibility.

 

[one]

View attachment 8191

I am not too worried about what you would use for three, i do worry thought what you would use for 1.

 

[Viridis1886]

go on... try it

My wife: What on earth are you doing?

Me: ... counting.