Captains Only Protocol
Law 3 – Law 5
• Only designated captains (wearing an armband or identified at the coin toss) may approach the referee.
• Referees can activate the protocol by communication with the player around them
Once the referees have communication the captains only protocol is activated, Referees and Captains are expected to enforce.
• A 4m “no – go” zone is established around the referee.
Other players entering this zone is an aggressive manner or to cause interruption to the process :YC for dissent
Multiple players = at least 1 caution, incident must be reported
• Protocol aimed at reducing confrontation and improving respect

Double Touch At Penalty Kicks
Law 14
• Accidental double touches (e.g slip slip causes ball to
contact both feet or non-kicking foot):
o If goal scored → Retake the kick
o If missed → Indirect free kick to opponents
(or missed in a shootout)

• Deliberate double touches → Indirect free kick
or missed penalty

8 Seconds Change
GOALKEEPER IN POSSESSION

• A goalkeeper is now penalised with a corner kick (not an indirect free kick) if they control the ball with their hands/arms for more than 8 seconds inside their penalty area.
• Referees will now visually count down the final 5 seconds using a raised hand.
• No automatic disciplinary action, but repeat offences may be sanctioned.
• The corner is taken from the side nearest to the goalkeeper's position when penalised.

Preventing the Release

• What If an opponent impedes or attempts to prevent the goalkeeper from putting the ball into play?
• An indirect free kick will be awarded if a player prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from their hands or kicks or attempts to kick the ball when the goalkeeper is in the process of releasing it.
• In this situation, the attacker is responsible for any delay and not the goalkeeper
DISCIPLINARY SANCTION

For the first offence committed by a goalkeeper, a corner kick is awarded.
For the second offence committed by a goalkeeper, a corner kick is awarded and the goalkeeper is
warned.
For the third offence committed by a goalkeeper, a corner kick is awarded and the goalkeeper is
shown a yellow card.
This process then starts again, e.g. 4th offence = corner kick only.

Countdown Process
Once the goalkeeper has clear control, the visual countdown
begins after the initial 3-seconds

For the final 5-seconds, referees will perform a visual
countdown with their arm raised above their head

To be seen visually, after showing the five fingers lower the
arm, then change to 4 fingers, repeat until the 5 seconds is
complete or the ball is in play

Finally although not a new rule fo rthe league, this will be a new rule for us to play

Sin Bins

In Step 5 football (and all levels of grassroots football), "sin bins" (also known as temporary dismissals) are used for dissent offenses. If a player shows dissent, the referee will show a yellow card and point to the touchline, signaling a 10-minute (for 90-minute games) or 8-minute (for other game lengths) temporary dismissal. The player must go to their team's technical area and cannot be substituted or involved in the game until the time has elapsed.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
• Offense:
Sin bins are specifically for dissent, which can include verbal or physical actions like kicking the ball away or sarcastic clapping.
• Referee's Action:
The referee will show a yellow card and point to the touchline, indicating the player must leave the field.
• Duration:
The temporary dismissal lasts for 10 minutes in 90-minute games and 8 minutes in other game formats.
• Player's Position:
The player goes to their team's technical area, not a designated "sin bin" area.
• Substitution:
The player cannot be substituted until the temporary dismissal period is over.
• Second Offense:
If a player receives a second yellow card (or any other sending-off offense) while in the sin bin, they cannot be replaced.
• Restart:
The sin bin period begins when play restarts, with the referee accounting for any lost time.
• Return to Play:
The player can only return to the field at a stoppage of play, with the referee's final decision on when they can return.
• Incomplete Periods:
If the sin bin period isn't finished at the end of the first half, it continues into the second half or extra time. If it's still not finished at the end of extra time, the player can participate in penalty kicks.