will be implemented in local soccer this season, according to Director of Referees Aldwyn Savery.

And unless they do, they could find themselves in costly and embarrassing positions which could have a negative effect on the sport.

Such is Bermuda Football Referees Association's concern about the some teams' lack of knowledge of the new rules, attempts are being made to send out circulars directly to every club registered with the Bermuda Football Association explaining the changes.

"We have decided that this will be the best way to speed up the process of getting the information to everybody involved in soccer, the coach and players in particular,'' said Savery yesterday.

There are major changes, with new rules having been added and old rules refined, many done so after the World Cup in the United States this summer.

Savery said he was aware of the fact that some coaches were not familiar with the rules and had already questioned officials prior to the start of the three matches that have taken place so far this season.

In addition to having the new rules circulated to clubs, arrangements have been made with the local television stations to enable officials to explain and discuss the changes in a more detailed manner.

"One of the main rule changes has FIFA telling us to clamp down on serious foul play so that the players who are skillful are allowed to display their skills,'' said Savery.

The substitution of two players plus a designated goalkeeper is another rule that FIFA has implemented along with the new off-side rule and another involving coaching from the sidelines.

"The three substitutes rule has been implemented only to allow a certain amount of fair play. People have been saying that when a goalkeeper is injured they have no substitute goalkeeper and have to put a valuable player in goal who has no experience.

"Now we have the normal two substitutions plus a designated goalkeeper who has to be identified on the team sheets before play starts. That designated goalkeeper may change places with the starting goalkeeper if the latter is injured at any time.

"But if the goalkeeper has been sent off it should be made clear that somebody in the field has to be substituted in order to get the designated goalkeeper in goal.'' FIFA has also decided to adjust the offside rule which Savery says now may benefit the attacking team more than it did in the past.

"Previously when we gave a close offside call it was the defending team who were given the benefit of doubt, now the instructions are that it's the attacking team who will benefit.'' More leeway has also been given to the coach who will be allowed to shout out brief "technical instructions'' from the bench.