The Football Review Committee (FRC) has recommended several rule changes for the final two rounds of the Allianz Football League, with the most significant adjustments concerning the 3v3 rule. Under the proposed changes, teams will now be required to keep four players in their own half, which can include the goalkeeper. If the goalkeeper ventures upfield to join an attack, a teammate must drop back to ensure the four-player rule is maintained.
Other notable changes involve relaxing the penalties for accidental or marginal breaches of the rule, as well as clarifications for teams reduced in number due to red or black cards. These changes aim to provide more flexibility and fairness as teams prepare for the upcoming championship.
The Standing Committee on Playing Rules and Coiste Bainisti approved the amendments during a meeting last night and requested that the Central Council expedite its scheduled meeting to Monday, March 10. This change in timeline is to ensure that the updated rules, including the new 4v3 structure, are in place by Round 6 of the Allianz Football League next week, allowing teams at least two games to adjust before the Championship begins.
Key recommendations from the FRC include:
- A breach of the revised 4v3 rule (involving carrying, receiving, or intercepting the ball) will result in a free kick from the point where the player crossed the halfway line.
- Each team must maintain at least four players in their half of the field, which can include the goalkeeper, while at least three outfield players must remain in the opposition’s half.
- If a goalkeeper enters the opponent’s half, four outfield teammates must remain in their own half, as opposed to the current rule which allows three.
- Accidental, unintentional, or marginal breaches of the “four back, three up” rule will be eased, with players crossing the halfway line by up to four meters or not interfering with play being exempt from punishment.
- Teams reduced to fewer players due to a red or black card must still maintain at least three players in the opposition’s half at all times.
- The kick-out rule remains the same, with the kick-out required to reach or pass the 40-meter line.
- Players who claim a kick-out mark can play on immediately without being challenged for four meters. If challenged in this space, a free kick will be awarded 50 meters closer to the opponent’s goal, up to the 13-meter line.
- If a point or goal is scored, the referee will indicate “no advantage gained” if the team awarded the mark did not benefit, and the ball will be returned to the mark’s location.
- The word “directly” will be removed from the definition of a two-point score, allowing players to score from outside the 40-meter arc without the ball needing to be untouched by another player.
- A team official’s misconduct will result in a 20-meter free, with the option to take it from the 40-meter arc for a two-point attempt if desired.
These amendments come as teams prepare for the championship, and the FRC believes these changes will help ensure fairness and smoother gameplay moving forward.
