Referee in focus: New rules for a faster football season!

Referee in focus: New rules for a faster football season!

The new football season brings a breath of fresh air to the regular world. From July 1, 2025, significant changes apply that will decisively influence the way the game is directed. The SHFV-Kiel reports that the referees have already prepared intensively for these changes and that important details have already been achieved in training.

One of the most striking innovations concerns the time game. In the future, the Schiris will show the last five seconds with their hand over their heads. This makes a clear sign to minimize time game and consistently punish violations. But how this new procedure will affect the game practice remains to be seen: Maybe we can even enjoy more corner kicks or faster releases of the goalkeeper?

New rules for referees and players

Another aspect is the regulation for the goalkeepers: they can now control the ball by hand for eight seconds instead of only six. This change of rule is not only important for the shooters, but also for the goalkeepers themselves, since they can organize themselves better over time. If the time is exceeded, there is a corner kick for the opposing team, which could definitely change the dynamics of the game.

An exciting point is also the "referee ball". In the future, this will always be carried out where the ball was last. This decision gives the team the advantage that was in possession of the ball or has last touched the ball. In addition, the handling of the unintended ball contact by trainer or substitute was specified: there is only an indirect free kick here, no more personal punishment. An important detail that has triggered many discussions last season.

The changes aim to make the games more fairer and more smooth. An example: Impairments of the goalkeepers by attackers lead to indirect free kicks for the goalkeepers. This could noticeably influence the game and promote the assertiveness in the field. The administrative punishment in the event of unsportsmanlike behavior was also downgraded, which gives referees more flexibility in the decision.

Health of the rules in focus

On the course of the referees, a direct exchange between active referees and the observing of the SHFV was also funded. Michael Moon, the teaching attendant, played an important role and emphasized the preparation of the referees as positive. At the same time, communication was improved, which was one of the focus to increase the consistency in the evaluation. The presence of observers and their ongoing training are fundamental measures to give the referees a good knack for the new season.