All leagues were invited to attend the referee pre‑season meeting last week, where the changes to the Laws of the Game for the incoming season were outlined.

With the Mid Ulster Football League being the only league in attendance, we had a valuable opportunity to raise our concerns directly with the referees.

The IFA has now released the updated Laws of the Game for the 2026/27 season, along with new UEFA guidance. Below is a summary of the main changes that will apply across all competitions.

Time‑Limited Substitutions (Law 3)
Players being substituted must leave the field within 10 seconds of the board being shown or the referee signalling the change.
If they fail to leave within 10 seconds (except for safety/injury), the substitute must wait until one minute of play has passed after the restart before entering.
Players are cautioned only if they excessively delay beyond the 10 seconds.
Goalkeepers must leave over the goal‑line; if this takes too long, the substitute may enter immediately and the goalkeeper is cautioned.
Multiple substitutions: all outgoing players must leave within 10 seconds of the final substitution signal.

Injuries – Off‑Field Treatment (Law 5)
Any player treated/assessed on the field or who causes a stoppage must remain off the field for one minute after play restarts.
If the injury results from a foul punished by yellow or red card, the player may remain on the field.

Delaying Restarts (Law 12, 15 & 16)
Referees can now award:
A throw‑in to the opponents if a team delays their own throw‑in.
A corner kick to the opponents if a team delays their own goal kick.
A five‑second countdown will be used for throw‑ins and goal kicks. If not taken in time, possession switches.
Players are cautioned only for extreme or repeated delaying actions.

Other Law Changes
Substitutes in Senior International Friendlies
Teams may use eight named substitutes, or up to eleven if both teams agree.
Maximum of three substitution opportunities.

Accessories (Law 4)
Non‑dangerous items may be worn if safely and securely covered.
Dangerous items remain prohibited.

Advantage at Incorrect Restarts (Law 5)
Referees may play advantage if an incorrectly taken restart benefits the opponents.

Dropped Ball (Law 8)
Ball is dropped to the team that would have kept/gained possession had play not been stopped.

Accidental Double Touch (Law 10 & 14)
Accidental double touch by a penalty taker is now clarified; related caution text removed.

DOGSO Clarifications (Law 12)
If advantage is played after a DOGSO offence and a goal is scored, no caution or red card is issued.
No caution if a player unsuccessfully tries to stop a goal with their hand/arm and advantage is played.
DOGSO considerations now include location and number of attackers.

Restart Position (Glossary)
A player’s position is determined by the part of the body touching the ground.
If airborne, position is based on where their feet would be projected to land.

UEFA Guidelines – Goal Kicks & Handling Offences
A goal kick is considered correctly taken once any defender kicks the stationary ball inside the goal area.
If the goalkeeper kicks the ball and a teammate deliberately handles it inside the penalty area, the correct decision is a penalty kick.
These guidelines ensure consistent interpretation across competitions.