Modified 4-Step Rule
David Shalowitz AskTheRef™ Staff Writer

AskTheRef™ has received many questions regarding the newly modified 4-step rule for goal keepers. The MLS has been the first to implement this rule and the ammendments to the FIFA laws of the game will be in force starting July 1, 2000. The MLS is now in its sixth week and the keepers are taking full advantage of this ruling by running the length of penalty area within the time limit before releasing the ball. This falls under Law 12 (Fouls and Misconduct) which was amended during the International Football Association Board in its 114th Annual General Meeting on the 19th of February, 2000. The four-step limitation on a goalkeeper's movement was replaced with six second time limit. This was done as part of the Board's continuing effort to eliminate time-wasting tactics and speed up the game. For this and other information regarding the boards decisions please see the official media release and a downloadable FIFA LOTG amendments (PDF Format) sent out to the national associations dated March 27, 2000.