Dutch soccer committee may eliminate offside rule as part of significant changes to game regulations.

In the world of Dutch football, a recent increase in violent incidents has sparked a debate about the offside rule. It has been proposed that this rule be scrapped in amateur matches in order to decrease the number of violent outbursts. This idea comes after the Dutch Football Association released shocking statistics, revealing that 1,864 matches had to be stopped due to violent incidents. This number is a significant 11% increase from the previous season and a staggering 58% increase over a five-year period.

To address this concerning issue, the Dutch governing body has suggested a radical change in the rules. This would involve removing the use of assistant referees in amateur football, ultimately leading to the elimination of the offside rule. Jan Dirk van der Zee, director of the KNVB, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that although the number of incidents may seem small compared to the overall number of matches played, it cannot be ignored.

The proposed changes would only apply to amateur matches in the Netherlands, similar to grassroots football in England. In these matches, assistant referees are not professionally trained and are often affiliated with one of the teams playing. The KNVB has not given a timeline for when this rule change may be implemented, but they are actively working towards finding a solution.

In addition to addressing the issue in amateur football, the KNVB has also taken steps to combat the abuse faced by referees in professional matches. In July, a new measure was introduced, stating that only the team captain can approach the referee to question a decision. This rule was first implemented at the European Championship and was also used during the Olympic Games in Paris.

The possibility of scrapping the offside rule and assistant referees in amateur football may seem like a drastic measure, but the KNVB is determined to eliminate violent incidents from the game. As they continue to explore solutions, it is clear that they are committed to creating a safe and fair environment for all players and officials.

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