NWPL TESTS NEW RULES

The National League season kicked off at Ponds Forge, Sheffield, with Division One and Three clubs quickly adjusting to new FINA rules. Probably, the biggest noticeable difference was how quickly the new 30 second possession seemed to arrive!

To assist the transition for players, referees, coaches and table officials, a special technical meeting took place before play began, with international referees Tad Detko and Brian Littlejohn and delegate Ross Elder discussing the various technicalities. Steve Monico said "I was delighted to see such a big attendance at the meeting, it was a great success. On behalf of the League, I thank Brian, Tad & Ross for all the hard work they have put in over the recent weeks, especially to Brian who has answered all the questions emailed to us."

A week later Roger Hargreaves repeated the process before the start of the Division Two programme at Millfield School, Somerset.

A detailed copy of the rules can be obtained by clicking on http://www.fina.org/rules/WP/rules_wp.htm

However, the main changes have been summarised by David Bathurst, the ones in bold considered to be of the greatest significance.

· Playing area reduced for women’s matches
· 4m and 7m areas and markings replaced by a single 5m area / mark. The new 5m area applies to penalty fouls and immediate shots from free throws. Pool-side markings are affected. Consequential changes throughout the Rules.
· Caps must have ear protectors. New provisions for substitute goalkeepers’ caps.
· Head coach of attacking team can advance to the 5m line in his own half.
· Periods increased from 7 to 8 mins. Half time interval increased from 2 to 5 mins.
· For extra time, changes to intervals and turn-rounds.
· Penalty shoot-out arrangements slightly amended.
· Timeouts: minor rule changes.
· Possession time reduced from 35 to 30 secs.
· Significant changes to goal throw / corner throw rules. Corner throws now only awarded in certain limited situations.
· Goal throw to be taken by defending team player nearest to the ball.
· Team in possession retains the ball in the event of simultaneous exclusion fouls.
· New exclusion foul for attempting to play or block a shot with two hands outside 5m area.
· Improper re-entry by player of team not in possession is now an automatic penalty foul.
· Changes to (former) “disrespect” rule. Now referred to as “misconduct” rule.
· Punishment for brutality changed to complete exclusion with substitution after 4 mins actual play.
· Important changes to penalty foul rules. Refer to WP 22.2 Notes (b) & (c).
· If penalty throw awarded in last minute, team can elect to decline penalty and take free throw (with new possession time).