Local soccer fans will need to be alert to some rule changes implemented by FIFA when the season gets underway with the traditional Charity Cup opener at BAA Field between Premier Division champions PHC and FA Cup winners North Village on Sunday night.

Thanks to a visit to the Island by FIFA instructor Osmond Downer of Trinidad and Tobago, Bermuda's referees have been updated on the new rules and are now keen to put them into effect, said chairman of Bermuda Football Association's Referees Committee Gregory Grimes.

According to Grimes, clinics under Downer's supervision have been well attended and went off without any hitches. He noted that the local refs had quickly familiarised themselves with the new regulations.

"Everything has gone along fine as far as getting the new rules over to the referees is concerned,'' said Grimes. "Most of these are adjustments that our referees should have no problemswith during the game. Many are straightforward and actually have been used in the past.

"I guess you can say that the main one allows the goalkeeper to take as many steps as he wishes, but he has to release the ball within six seconds or face being penalised.

"Then another concerns penalty kicks with the goalkeeper not permitted to advance forward of his goal-line but allowed to move from side to side.'' Grimes noted that in both cases the referee's assistant would now be more involved, especially when it came to penalties since he would be better positioned to judge whether the goalkeeper had advanced off his goal-line.

Should a goalkeeper be called for moving forward then the referee will be notified and the penalty kick could be ordered retaken.

Coaches this season will also merit watching. Under new rules they can give instructions from the sideline but then have to return to the bench and sit down.

To ensure that the rules are fully understood, the BFA are making plans to officially advise those directly involved such as club coaches and managers at all levels of local soccer, from junior to senior ranks.

"Plans are afoot to have them all appraised about the entire changes that FIFA have implemented for soccer throughout the world, and if there are players who want to become more familiar with the new rules then of course they will be welcomed at this meeting also,'' said Grimes.

"We know that local fans are quite knowledgeable about the sport of soccer but they too will have to adjust and familiarise themselves with these rules.

But we expect them to adjust to the changes after a few games take place.'' By the book: local refs such as Irven Simmons have been briefed on new FIFA rules this week which will be implemented in Bermuda for the first time when the soccer season kicks off on Sunday night.