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…
9. Penalty kicks (penalty taker)
The penalty taker is able to be quickly treated or assessed (if required) before taking the penalty kick. Photo: Mark Fletcher
10. Quick free-kicks
If a team concedes a free-kick that warrants a yellow/red card but the non-offending team takes the free-kick quickly to create a goal-scoring opportunity, the referee is able to delay the issuing of the yellow/red card until the next stoppage in play. This will only apply if the offending team is not distracted by the referee awarding the free-kick. Photo: Frank Reid
11. Free-kick walls
When a free-kick is awarded, attacking players are not allowed within 1 metre of the defending team’s wall of three or more players. If the wall includes less than three defending players, the rule does not apply. Photo: Mark Fletcher
12. Substitutions
Substituted players must now leave the field of play via the nearest point on the touchline/goal line to them unless the referee indicates otherwise. Photo: FRANK REID