Hull City is gearing up for the upcoming Championship season with a few changes to the rules set by the EFL. The team is set to face Bristol City at the MKM Stadium, and fans are hopeful for a good start. The rules changes focus on penalties and denial of goals this season, with the PGMOL emphasizing zero-tolerance for player and manager behavior.
One major change involves Denial of an Obvious Goal-Scoring Opportunity (DOGSO). If a player deliberately handles the ball to deny a goal-scoring opportunity and a penalty kick is awarded, the player will be sent off. However, if the handball offense is non-deliberate and the player makes themselves bigger without deliberate movement of the arm towards the ball, it will result in a caution instead of a red card.
Another change to the rules involves penalty kick processes and encroachment. Players’ positions at restarts will be determined by the position of their feet or any part of their body touching the ground. Players who do not impact the play will not be penalized, similar to the rules for goalkeeper encroachment.
In addition to these changes, officials will continue to have the support of football authorities to enforce stronger measures for participant behavior and maintaining an average of nine minutes of enhanced ball in-play time. Time will be added for goals, celebrations, substitutions, injuries, penalties, and red cards to ensure fair play and accurate calculation of additional time.
Player safety remains a top priority for match officials, with clear and deliberate actions that delay play resulting in cautions. Handball offenses will be judged based on arm movement, position, and mitigating factors, with holding also being closely monitored for clear impact on the opponent’s ability to play.
Overall, these rule changes aim to ensure fair play, player safety, and an exciting Championship season ahead. Fans can expect an intense and competitive season with these new rules in place to maintain the integrity of the game.
