Despite what looked like an all-round successful first outing for the new rules in this weekend’s first round of the Allianz National Football League, one of the new edicts has come under scrutiny as managers question if it provides an unfair advantage for attacking teams.
The ‘three-up, three-back’ rule which insists teams keep at least three players in each half throughout the game is designed to open up space and allow sides to indulge in more free-flowing football. Thus far, it appears to have merit.
However, when coupled with the rule that continues to allow goalkeepers move into the opposing half of the field and join in the attack, some feel the resulting 12-v-11 situation is an unfair by-product…