Question Number: 30046

Other 1/24/2016

RE: N/A Other

Peter Grove of Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire England asks...

This question is a follow up to question 30040

I'd just like to point out a couple of date errors in the previous responses to this question. Firstly, the 'great rewrite' of the Laws came in 1997, not 1996. Secondly, the amendment to allow goal kicks to be taken from anywhere within the goal area predates the rewrite by some 5 years, having been introduced at the IFAB's Annual General Meeting held at the Celtic Manor Hotel in Newport, Wales on Saturday 30th May, 1992.

Interestingly enough, given Ref McHugh's point about the potential for the current law to be used as a time-wasting ploy, one of the original reasons given by the IFAB for the change was that it 'eliminates one of the common timewasting tactics.' The other reason given was that it made things simpler.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Peter
Thanks for the clarification. Unfortunately my PC has been hit by a virus which has corrupted some drives and files. As a result I could not go back to check the actual dates.
I have a back up which I am reluctant to use until I get this sorted probably with a new PC .
Anyway lesson for anyone reading this is to back up important files in case the drive / files is damaged or corrupted and to very wary of downloading files even from known contacts without scanning first. Might seem a tad expensive some of the solutions? It is like insurance, one only knows how valuable it is when you need it.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Peter ,
thanks for the review it is good to set out correct information. As to the reason there are often changes , common sense is still an oxymoron in many decisions that evolve slowly over time. It goes to show that LAW 18 is still the bendable theory in behind most LOTG yet exact definitions are always frustratingly lacking in such matters.

Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

You're right on the date - how time flies when you're having fun.

Actually my mind mixed up the date of the last 'old' Laws - 1996 - and the condensed Laws - 1997.