A return to some kind of normality for a moment?

A thread to explain the changes to the Laws of the Game for 2020-21, as announced last night.

Starting with a key change to VAR protocol which should see the Premier League get in line.

VAR protocol in the new Laws of the Game removes the word "often" in relation to an 'on-field review' (pitchside monitors), removing the ambiguity that allowed the Premier League to not use them and still be within VAR protocol.

There is also what appears to be a clear reference to the Premer League in the circular on changes to Laws of the Game.

"Recent communication from these competition organisers signalled a positive shift towards the universal application of the protocol from next season."

However, and this be considered a major negative, the IFAB has rejected providing access to the conversation between match officials during a VAR review. So we will not be hearing what the ref and the VAR are talking about.

Onto handball, and for the first time in the Laws of the Game the arm is defined for handball. Before most referees would use the whole of the arm.

It means Tyrone Mings' use of the top of the arm vs. Leicester is legal next season.

Attacking handball is clarified, though not changed, to say that the handball relating to the goal must be immediate.

So it must be:

Handball > goal
OR
Handball > pass > goal
OR
Handball > falls to teammate > pass > goal

Rules on goalkeeper movement are set in writing now too.
- Moving off the line before a kick is taken is only usually punishable if the goalkeeper makes a save

Encroachment by both players is (finally) added to the descriptive table

The trick-flick from goalkeeper to defender to goalkeeper, which last summer was used as a "cheat" in the new goal-kick law, is officially outlawed with a retake. (this was unofficially the case last season).

Lots of other minor ones, but this is interesting.

Restart position is now defined in Law as the part of the body touching the ground, which is usually the feet.

As such, it suggests that players stood on the edge of the box leaning in on a penalty are no longer encroaching.