The GAA have confirmed details of a number of experimental rule changes which will be introduced in both hurling and football over the coming months. The experimental football rules will be introduced in games played in the O'Byrne Cup, Connacht FBD League, the Mc Grath Cup and the Allianz National Football Leagues while the hurling changes will be tested in the National Hurling Leagues. The changes have arisen as part of an examination of the rules of the games carried out by the Football and Hurling Task Forces. The main changes to the football playing rules which will be implemented for these competitions are: - 1. Players will be permitted to lift the ball off the ground, scoop it up to a team-mate and/or play it on the ground when running or in a standing position. Players will also be are permitted to play the ball away from the body when they are lying or sitting on the ground or on their knee(s). 2. Goalkeepers will use a plastic tee when taking kick-out s 3. The introduction of a "sin bin" which will see players sent to the bench for a period of 10 minutes on receipt of a yellow card. 4. Linesmen will, where possible, draw the Referee's attention during play to any fouls that merit a red or yellow card, thus providing greater powers of control to the linesman. At the moment linesmen can only do this during a break in play. 5. Injured players will be removed from the field of play to the nearest point on the endline or sideline and will be permitted by the sideline official to recommence after a stoppage through the substitution zone 6. Dangerous Play and Irresponsible Behaviour will be more clearly defined in Rule 5 ("Aggressive fouls") The hurling changes will also see the introduction of the sin bin, greater powers for Linesmen, the removal and reintroduction of injured players at the nearest point on the sideline and clearer definitions of dangerous play and irresponsible behaviour. The changes also include two points to be awarded when the ball is struck over the crossbar between the posts from a sideline puck provided the ball is not touched, while in flight, by any member of the team taking the sideline puck - 2 - Speaking at a press briefing to announce the experimental changes, the President of the GAA Mr Sean Kelly paid tribute to the both Task Forces for the excellent work they have carried out in their examination of the rules. He said: "It is important that we continually examine ways in which we can improve our games. There are some very interesting changes proposed, but it is important to remember that they can only be fully and properly assessed through implementing them in a competitive game scenario and we are particularly grateful to the provincial councils for allowing the football experiments to take place in their respective competitions." He said that such experimentation would allow for motions to Congress to effect permanent change should it be felt that any or all of the changes proposed could benefit the game as a spectacle for players, match officials or supporters. The experimental rules arose from the work of the Football Playing Rules Task Force, under the Chairmanship of Connacht Council President Tommy Moran. It also included prominent managers Brian Mc Eniff and Mick O'Dwyer, players Paul Durkan (Sligo), Brian Dooher (Tyrone), Dessie Farrell (Dublin), and Inter-County referee Pat Mc Eneaney. The Hurling Playing Rules Task Force, under the Chairmanship of Leinster Council Chairman Nicky Brennan. It also included former Clare player and current manager Anthony Daly, former Wexford player George O'Connor, current players Eoin Kelly (Tipperary) and Henry Shefflin (Kilkenny) and Inter-County referee Aodán MacSuibhne. The GAA's Head of Games Pat Daly acted as secretary to both Task Forces. HURLING PLAYING RULES TASK FORCE PROPOSALS FOR EXPERIMENTATION The following proposals are put forward for experimentation by the Hurling Playing Rules Task Force. 1. Line Ball A player who strikes a line ball directly over the bar without any other out-field player touching it, shall be awarded two points (should the ball end up in the back of the net, three points / one goal shall be awarded as at present) Note - should the goalie in attempting to prevent the ball going over the bar only succeed in touching it over the bar, two points shall still be awarded Note - it is not proposed that players would use a tee to take a line ball Reasons q To reward a key hurling skill with an additional point q To encourage hurlers to practise this skill q To give greater importance to this skill in the game of hurling 2. "Send Player to the Bench" (Sin Bin) (a) Any Player who receives a yellow card to be "sent to the bench" (sin binned) for 10 minutes of actual playing time (b) A player to be issued with a yellow card for any of the following fouls. (These are in addition to fouls for which a yellow card is already stipulated) (i) To body check an opponent who is moving to take a return pass or to support the player in possession (ii) To commit a professional foul i.e. foul an opponent who is in possession in order to prevent a score (iii) Third man into a melee (iv) Commit a non-cautionable foul on an opponent away from the play (v) Throw, kick, strike an object - including match ball, hurley or helmet - at an opponent (vi) Behaving in a manner, which is ungracious to an opponent or match official e.g. remonstrating with a match official or using foul language etc. (Note - while this is not a serious problem, nevertheless, the use of the sin bin was deemed by the committee to be an appropriate way of dealing with such misdemeanours) (vii) Behaving in an un-necessary aggressive manner to an opponent e.g. "digging" in the ribs with hurley or "tapping" opponent's elbow with hurley as he solo runs with the ball etc. (Note - it was the view of the committee that in some instances referees have sent off players for these type of offences e.g. Liam Dunne / Brian O'Meara, and while that may still be necessary - and current rules will allow this course of action - putting a player or players into the sin bin for ten minutes can often be a more appropriate way of "punishing" this type of indiscretion (c) The sideline official to use a stop watch to regulate the 10 minutes of actual playing time when a player is sent to the bench (sin binned) Reasons q To ensure that the game is played in a fair manner and in a spirit of true sportsmanship q To reward players who make the ball the focal point of their attention q To ensure players take responsibility for their own behaviour q To ensure that it does not pay to engage in foul play q To ensure that foul play does not become institutionalised within the game. (The current system whereby provision is made for 60 fouls - 30 ticks and 30 yellow card offences - in each game and the fact that a player can receive one yellow card in every game with impunity, is creating problems in this regard Note - A player who receives a second yellow card for the offences outlined earlier and who was already sin-binned in the game, shall then receive a red card and miss the next game in the competition 3. The Linesman The linesmen, where possible, to draw the Referee's attention during play to any fouls which merit a red or yellow card Reason q To provide greater powers of control to linesmen 4. Injuries (a) Apart from serious injuries, all injured players to be removed - using a stretcher if needs be - from the field of play to the nearest point on the end line or sideline. The injured players are only permitted to recommence after a stoppage in play. The player concerned must enter the field of play through the substitution zone. (b) The sideline official to provide permission for the injured player to recommence play Reasons q To maximise the amount of playing time q To minimise the potential for gamesmanship i.e. manipulation of the Playing Rules to gain an unfair competitive advantage e.g. time wasting 5. Rule 5 Sanctions to be imposed in accordance with the modifications to Rule 5 - see Appendix 1 Reasons q Defines aggressive fouls and categories of misbehaviour q Ensures that sanctions are imposed in a manner that is more proportionate with the offence i.e. moves away from the arbitrary imposition of sanctions q Does not discriminate against dual players i.e. ensures that a player who plays hurling and football or who plays one or both codes at different levels is not subject to a more severe penalty for committing the same offence than a player who plays one code at only one level q Provides a more comprehensive list of offences q Is easier to read, remember and apply Appendix 1 Rule 1.5 (a) Play shall not stop for injury to a player except in exceptional circumstances to enable a seriously injured player to be treated on the field or moved from the field of play. All other injuries shall be treated off the field of play. The player shall be removed - using a stretcher if necessary - to the nearest point on the end line or sideline. He shall only resume play provided he enters the field of game through the substitution zone after a break in play and has received permission from the sideline official. Rule 4.1. Add to Duties of Sideline Official To record a 10-minute period of playing time when a player is "sent to the bench" (sin binned) To give permission for an injured player to resume play - by entering the field of play through the substitution zone - after the player has been treated on the sideline/end line for an injury. Rule 3.1 Duties of Linesman to read as follows: The linesmen shall, where possible, bring to the attention of the referee any instances of dangerous or rough play during the game and shall also report any unauthorised incursions on to the field of play that have not been noticed by the Referee Rule 1.2 (vii) Duties of Referee is amended to enable the Referee to deal with playing offences as set out in Rule 5 Rule 3.1 Scores to be amended to read as follows: A point is scored when the ball is played over the crossbar between the posts by either team. Exception: Two points are awarded when the ball is struck over the crossbar between the posts from a sideline puck provided the ball is not touched, while in flight, by any member of the team taking the sideline puck Rule 5 Aggressive Fouls - Hurling Dangerous Play and Irresponsible Behaviour (Both terms to be defined as follows in the section of the Playing Rules dealing with Definitions) - new in italic Dangerous Play i.e. where a player engages in foul play with intent or with reckless disregard for the safety of other players - replaces what was 5.4 Irresponsible Behaviour i.e. where a player behaves in a manner that does not reflect positively on the Association - new 5.1 To strike a player (whether team mate or opponent) or team official with a hurley, head, arm, elbow, hand or knee - combination of 5.1 and 5.5 - and new material - see italic. (Attempting to strike moved to 5.18) 5.2 To kick, stamp, or stand on, bite, gouge, head-butt, or spit at another player, (whether opponent or team mate), or a team official - combination of 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.6 and new material - see italic. (Attempting any of the foregoing moved to 5.18) 5.3 To use hurley in an indiscriminate manner and without due regard for another player's safety - new 5.4 To provoke a brawl or free-for-all by inciting or taunting other players - new 5.5 For a substitute to enter the field of play or a player to leave the field of play without the referee's permission in order to intimidate an opponent or join an altercation - new 5.6 To interfere with, threaten, strike or attempt to strike, throw an object (including the ball or a hurley) at, or use abusive language or conduct to, a match official - rewording of 5.5 new material in italic 5.7 To refuse to carry out the instructions/directions of a match referee - new 5.8 To commit any of the fouls listed at 5.1 to 5.7 inclusive of the field prior to the start of the game, at half time or after the game - rewording of 5.7 with new material in italic - taken from rule 138 (2) (iii) PENALTIES: 1. Order offender off and exclude from participation in the game and report to the committee in charge 2. (a) where the subject of the foul is an opponent, free puck from where the foul occurred, except as provided under the exceptions of Rule 2.2 (b) where the subject of the foul is a team mate, throw in the ball where the offence occurred, except as provided under exception (v) of Rule 2.2 Rough Play and Improper Behaviour (Both teams to be defined as follows in the section of the playing Rules dealing with definitions) - new Rough Play i.e. where a player displays inadequate regard for the safety of other players - replaces what was 5.12 Improper Behaviour i.e. where a player displays gross indifference for the spirit in which the game should be played - new 5.9 To pull down an opponent - was 5.8 5.10 To trip an opponent with hand(s), foot, or hurley - was 5.9 5.11 To jump at an opponent - was 5.10 5.12 To threaten or to use abusive or provocative language to a player (whether team mate or opponent) or a team official or behave in an ungracious manner to an opponent or match official e.g. remonstrate with a match official or use foul language - was 5.11 new text in italic 5.13 To "dig" opponents in the ribs with the hurley, to "tap"an opponent's elbow with the hurley as he solo runs or use the hurley in a careless manner- incorporates what was 5.14 5. 14 To make a "pull" with the hurley from behind and around the body of an opponent that is not consistent with an attempt to play the ball - was 5.13 5.15 To "pull" with the hurley before the ball arrives - was 5.16 5.16 To use the hurley in a careless manner, throw the hurley without due regard for another player's safety or to throw, kick, strike an object - including the ball - at an opponent - reworded to leave out the word danger and new material included in italic - combination of what was 5.14 and 5.15 5.17 To attempt to achieve an advantage by feigning a foul or an injury 5.18 To attempt to stike with a hurley, head, arm, elbow, hand or knee or attempting to kick, stamp, stand on, bite, gouge, head-butt or spit at another player(whether team mate or opponent) or a team official - new clauses - see italic - and combination of offences previously set out in Rules 5.1, 5.2 and 5.5 5.19 To commit a non-cautionable offence on an opponent away from the play - new 5.20 To foul an opponent who is in possession to deny him a score (professional foul) - new 5.21 Third man into a melee - new 5.22 To body check an opponent who is moving to take a return pass or support the player in possession - new PENALTIES: 1. Caution offender i.e. show yellow card and "send to the bench for 10 minutes" (Sin Bin) - new penalty. After 10 minutes playing time has elapsed, player is permitted to resume play. (If the same player commits a further cautionable offence during the remainder of the game, he shall be sent off i.e. given a red card and reported to the committee in charge. The player concerned will incur a minimum one match ban i.e. the next game in that competition - new) 2(a) Where the subject of the foul is an opponent, free puck from where the foul occurred, except as provided under the exceptions of Rule 2.2 (b) Where the subject of the foul is a team mate, throw the ball in where the foul occurred, except as provided under exception (v) of Rule 2.2 Unsporting Play/Behaviour (Term to be defined as follows in section of the Playing Rules dealing with definitions) - new Unsporting Play/Behaviour i.e. where a player plays/behaves in a manner which is contrary to the spirit of fair play - new 5.23 (a) To push an opponent or hold an opponent with the hands or hurley (b) To hold opponent's hurley or pull it from his hands - was 5.19 5.24 (a) To charge an opponent in the back or to the front (b) To charge an opponent unless : (i) he is in possession of the ball, or (ii) he is playing the ball, or (iii) both players are moving in the direction of the ball to play it (c) To charge an opponent for the purpose of giving an advantage to a team-mate (d) To charge the goalkeeper in the small rectangle (e) For a player in possession of the ball to charge an opponent -was 5.20 5.25 To use the hurley to obstruct an opponent - was 5.21 5.26 To strike an opponent's hurley unless both players are in the act of striking the ball - was 5.22 PENALTIES (i) Free puck from where foul occurred, except as provided under exceptions of Rule 2.2 (ii) Caution offender for committing any of the above fouls a second time and "send to the bench" for 10 minutes playing time. After 10 minutes playing time has elapsed, player is permitted to resume play - new sanction in italic (iii) If the same player commits a further foul in this category or is cautioned during the remainder of the game he shall be sent off i.e. given a red card and reported to the Committee in charge. He will incur an automatic one match ban i.e. the next game in that competition - new section in italic 5.27 For a player to retaliate between the award of a free to his team and the free puck being taken - was 5.23 Penalty- (i) Cancel free puck (ii) Throw in the ball where the original foul occurred, except as provided under exception (v) of Rule 2.2 (iii) Apply any other relevant penalty of Rule 5 5.28 For a player(s) from each team to foul simultaneously - was 5.24 Penalty- (i) Throw in the ball where the fouls occurred, except as provided under Exception (v) of Rule 2.2 (ii) Apply any other relevant penalty of Rule 5 5.29 When an Aggressive Foul is drawn to the referee's attention by an umpire or linesmen, the referee may apply the appropriate penalty as per Rule 5, and shall restart play as per Rule 2 - was 5.25 5.30 When a team commits an Aggressive Foul, the referee may allow play to continue if he considers it to be to the advantage of the offended team. Once the referee allows the play to continue, he may not subsequently award a free of that foul. He shall apply the relevant penalty - was 5.26 That the following definitions to be added to the Playing Rules MELEE An incident where three or more players are grappling or otherwise struggling with one another SCOOP Place the hand(s) under the ball - when it is on the ground - and play it away to a team mate BODY CHECK To run into an opponent or run across him in order to prevent him from from taking a return pass or making a run in support of the player in possession GAMESMANSHIP To manipulate the Playing Rules to gain an unfair competitive advantage PROFESSIONAL FOUL To foul an opponent who is in possession of the ball to prevent him from scoring FOOTBALL TASK FORCE PROPOSALS FOR EXPERIMENTATION The following proposals are put forward for experimentation by the Football Playing Rules Task Force. (The full text for each change is set out in Appendix 1). 1. Lift/Playing Ball on/off the Ground Players are permitted to lift the ball off the ground, scoop it up to a team-mate and/or play it on the ground when running or in a standing position Players are permitted to play the ball away from the body when lying or sitting on the ground or on their knee(s). Players are not permitted to slide into the ball for the purposes of playing the ball away in this fashion or to score when playing the ball on the ground with the hand Reasons . To ensure consistent application of the rules . Reduce the number of technical offences . Minimise the potential of players playing for frees . Maximise the number of tactical options available to players and the potential for effective decision making 2. The Kick-Out The Goalkeeper to use a plastic tee when taking a kick-out after the ball goes wide or after a score Reasons . To eliminate the practice of players digging divots to create an elevated platform when taking a kick out . To minimise damage to playing surfaces . To minimise the risk of injury 3. "Send Player to the Bench" (Sin Bin) (a) Any Player who receives a yellow card to be "sent to the bench" (sin binned) for 10 minutes of actual playing time (b) A player to be issued with a yellow card for any of the following fouls. (These are in addition to fouls for which a yellow card is already stipulated) (i) To body check an opponent who is moving to take a return pass or to support the player in possession (ii) To commit a professional foul i.e. foul an opponent who is in possession in order to prevent a score (iii) Third man into a melee (iv) Commit a non-cautionable foul on an opponent away from the play (v) Throw, kick, strike an object - including match ball - at an opponent (c) The sideline official to use a stop watch to regulate the 10 minutes of actual playing time when a player is sent to the bench (sin binned) Reasons . To ensure that the game is played in a fair manner and in a spirit of true sportsmanship . To reward players who make the ball the focal point of their attention . To ensure players take responsibility for their own behaviour . To ensure that it does not pay to engage in foul play . To ensure that foul play does not become institutionalised within the game. (The current system whereby provision is made for 60 fouls - 30 ticks and 30 yellow card offences - in each game, and the fact that a player can receive one yellow card in every game with impunity, is creating problems in this regard) . To maximise the amount of playing time . To minimise the potential for gamesmanship i.e. the manipulation of the Playing Rules to gain an unfair competitive advantage e.g. time wasting 6. Rule 5 Sanctions to be imposed in accordance with the modifications to Rule 5 - see Appendix 1 Reasons . Defines aggressive fouls and categories of misbehaviour . Ensures that sanctions are imposed in a manner that is more proportionate with the offence i.e. moves away from the arbitrary imposition of sanctions . Does not discriminate against dual players i.e. ensures that a player who plays hurling and football or who plays one or both codes at different levels is not subject to a more severe penalty for committing the same offence than a player who plays one code at only one level . Provides a more comprehensive list of offences . Is easier to read, remember and apply APPENDIX 1 TEXT FOR MODIFIED PLAYING RULES For the purposes of experimentation, the following Rules will read as follows: Rule 1.2 Playing Rules of Gaelic Football (a) The ball may be lifted directly off the ground by hand or scooped up to a team mate provided the player playing the ball on the ground is running or in a standing position (b) The ball may be played (dribbled/patted) on the ground by hand provided the player playing the ball is running or in a standing position (c) A player when sitting or lying on the ground or when he is on his knee(s) may play the ball away from his body with the hand but shall not otherwise place a hand upon it or take it into his possession e.g. lift with the knees ( A player who plays the ball away from his body in this fashion shall not be permitted to slide into the ball for the purpose of doing so) (d) A Players shall not be permitted to score when playing the ball on the ground with the hand (e) Other than the goalkeeper, within the small rectangle, players may not dive on the ball on the ground A free kick shall be awarded for breach of 1.2 (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) Rule 2.7(a) When the ball is played over the end line by the team attacking that end, play is restarted with a kick out from the ground. The kick out shall be taken from a plastic tee placed on the ground within the small rectangle. The player taking the kick out may kick the ball more than once before any other player touches it but may not take the ball into his hand(s). If the goalkeeper is not taking the kick-out, he shall stay in the small rectangle, and all other players except the player taking the kick out shall be outside the 20m line until the ball has been kicked. The ball shall travel 13m before being played by another player of the defending team Rule 2.7 (b) After a score, the kick out shall be taken from a plastic tee placed on the ground on the 20m line in front of the scoring space. All players, except the goalkeeper and the player taking the kick out (if other than the goalkeeper) shall be outside the 20 m line until the ball has been kicked. The ball shall travel 13m before being played by another player of the defending team. Rule 1.5 (a) Play shall not stop for injury to a player except in exceptional circumstances to enable a seriously injured player to be treated on the field or moved from the field of play. All other injuries shall be treated off the field of play. The player shall be removed - using a stretcher if necessary - to the nearest point on the end line or sideline. He shall only resume play provided he enters the field of game through the substitution zone after a break in play and has received permission from the sideline official. Rule 4.1. Add to Duties of Sideline Official To record a 10-minute period of playing time when a player is "sent to the bench" (sin binned) To give permission for an injured player to resume play - by entering the field of play through the substitution zone - after the player has been treated on the sideline/end line for an injury. Rule 3.1 Duties of Linesman to read as follows: The linesmen shall, where possible, bring to the attention of the referee any instances of dangerous or rough play during the game and shall also report any unauthorised incursions on to the field of play that have not been noticed by the Referee Rule 1.2 (vii) Duties of Referee is amended to enable the Referee to deal with playing offences as set out in Rule 5 RULE 5 AGGRESSIVE FOULS - GAELIC FOOTBALL Dangerous Play and Irresponsible Behaviour (Both terms to be defined as follows in the section of the Playing Rules dealing with Definitions) - new in italic Dangerous Play i.e. where a player engages in foul play with intent or with reckless disregard for the safety of other players - replaces what was 5.4 Irresponsible Behaviour i.e. where a player behaves in a manner that does not reflect positively on the Association - new 5.1 To strike a player (whether team mate or opponent) or team official with the head, arm, elbow, hand or knee - combination of 5.1 and 5.5 - and new material - see italic. (Attempting to strike moved to 5.15) 5.2 To kick, stamp on, stand on, bite, gouge, head-butt, or spit at another player, (whether opponent or team mate), or a team official 5.3 - combination of 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.6 and new material - see italic. (Attempting any of the foregoing moved to 5.15) 5.4 To provoke a brawl or free-for-all by inciting or taunting other players- new 5.5 For a substitute to enter the field of play or a player to leave the field of play without the referee's permission in order to intimidate an opponent or join an altercation - new 5.6 To interfere with, threaten, strike or attempt to strike, throw an object (including the ball) at, or use abusive language or conduct to, a match official - rewording of 5.5 new material in italic 5.7 To refuse to carry out the instructions/directions of the match referee - new 5.8 To commit any of the fouls listed at 5.1 to 5.7 inclusive on the field prior to the start of the game, at half time or after the game - rewording of 5.7 with new material in italic - taken from rule 138 (2) (iii) PENALTIES: 1. Order offender off and exclude from participation in the game and report to the committee in charge 2. (a) where the subject of the foul is an opponent, free kick from where the foul occurred, except as provided under exceptions of Rule 2.2 (b) where the subject of the foul is a team mate, throw in the ball where the offence occurred, except as provided under exception (v) of Rule 2.2 Rough Play and Improper Behaviour (Both teams to be defined as follows in the section of the playing Rules dealing with definitions) - new Rough Play i.e. where a player displays inadequate regard for the safety of other players - was 5.14 Improper Behaviour i.e. where a player displays gross indifference for the spirit in which the game should be played - new 5.9 To pull down an opponent - was 5.8 5.10 To trip an opponent with hand(s) or foot - was 5.11 To jump at an opponent - was 5.10 5.12 To threaten or to use abusive or provocative language to a player (whether opponent or team mate) or a team official - was 5.11, new text in italic 5.13 To block or attempt to block with the boot when an opponent is kicking the ball from the hand(s) - was 5.12 5.14 To prevent or attempt to prevent an opponent from lifting or kicking the ball off the ground by striking an opponent's hand, arm, foot or leg with the boot - was 5.13 5.15 To throw, kick, strike an object - including the ball - at an opponent - new 5.16 To attempt to achieve an advantage by feigning a foul or an injury - was 5.15 5.17 To attempt to strike another player (whether team mate or opponent) or team official with the head, arm, elbow, hand or knee or attempt to kick, stamp on, stand on, bite, gouge, head-butt or spit at any of the foregoing - new clauses - see italic - and combination of offences previously set out in Rules 5.1, 5.2 and 5.5 5.18 To commit a non-cautionable offence on an opponent away from the play - new 5.19 To foul an opponent who is in possession to deny him a score (professional foul) - new 5.20 Third man into a melee - new 5.21 To body check an opponent who is moving to take a return pass or support the player in possession - new PENALTIES: 1. Caution offender i.e. show yellow card and "send to the bench for 10 minutes" (sin bin) - new penalty. After 10 minutes playing time has elapsed, player is permitted to resume play. (If the same player commits a further cautionable offence during the remainder of the game, he shall be sent off i.e. given a red card and reported to the committee in charge. The player concerned will incur a minimum one match ban i.e. the next game in that competition - new) 2(a) Where the subject of the foul is an opponent, free kick from where the foul occurred, except as provided under exceptions of Rule 2.2 (b) Where the subject of the foul is a team mate, throw the ball in where the foul occurred, except as provided under exception (v) of Rule 2.2 Unsporting Play/Behaviour (Term to be defined as follows in section of the Playing Rules dealing with definitions) - new Unsporting Play/Behaviour i.e. where a player plays/behaves in a manner which is contrary to the spirit of fair play - new 5.22 (a) To push an opponent or hold an opponent with the hands - was 5.17 5.23 (a) To use the fist on or around the body of an opponent for the purposes of dispossessing him of the ball - was 5.18 5.24 (a) To charge an opponent in the back or to the front (b) To charge an opponent unless : (i) he is in possession of the ball, or (ii) he is playing the ball, or (iii) both players are moving in the direction of the ball to play it (c) To charge an opponent for the purpose of giving an advantage to a team-mate (d) To charge the goalkeeper in the small rectangle (e) For a player in possession of the ball to charge an opponent -was 5.19 Tweet

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