As Hartlepool United gear up for their third season in the National League, here are some things they’ll have to look out for starting on August 3. Scroll down and click through the pages to see the new rules explained…
1. Dropped ball
Dropped balls will not be contested and will be awarded to the team that last played the ball with the exception of play being stopped inside the penalty area. In that instance, the ball will be returned to the defending goalkeeper. Photo: Pete Norton
2. Goal celebrations
Yellow cards have been awarded for ‘illegal’ celebrations such as the removing of a shirt or interacting physically with the crowd since 2004 in an effort to maintain player/crowd safety and image of the game. Now yellow cards will be awarded for such celebrations regardless of whether a goal is awarded. Photo: FRANK REID
3. Match officials interfering with play
If the ball touches a match official and leads to a team gaining a significant advantage (ie. winning possession, scoring a goal or creating a goalscoring opportunity) a drop ball will be awarded to the team last in possession. Photo: FRANK REID
4. Handball
Any accidental handball which gives the offending team an advantage will be penalised with a free-kick or penalty. Photo: FRANK REID 2019