National League to debut handball rules?

A new handball rule could be used in the National League for the final part of the season if fixtures resume, according to reports.

The new law change surrounds using the “T-shirt line” to differentiate between the arm and the shoulder for handball decisions.

Normally new rules would come into place on June 1 but because all football is on hold due to the coronavirus outbreak leagues will get the opportunity to implement them straight away if of course the season is not cancelled.

However, it may be that it is decided that the new rule will not come into force until the start of the 2020/2021 season.

It is thought the Football Association will make the final decision on behalf of the National League.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB), the body that determines the laws of the game, has reportedly contacted the FA to confirm the changes.

IFAB said: “Competitions which have been suspended because of Covid-19 have the option of completing the competition using the Laws of the Game 2019-20 or adopting the Laws of the Game 2020-21.

“Friendly/practice/warm-up matches in preparation for the restart of the competition are permitted to use the version of the Laws that will be used when the competition restarts.”

IFAB updated the handball rule at the start of the season which meant any goal scored or created with the use of the hand or arm would be disallowed even if it is accidental.