Former EFL official Ian Smedley has taken time to walk Burton Albion supporters through the rule changes that will govern third-tier football in 2026/27, and his central message is straightforward: the game's lawmakers want the ball moving.

More ball-in-play time at the heart of the changes

Speaking on Radio Derby on 14 August, Smedley summarised the philosophy driving the latest revisions. "What supporters love is the ball in play," he said, framing every significant amendment around that single objective.

The changes come into force across all EFL competitions this season, meaning Burton's League One campaign will be contested under a noticeably different set of rules from the moment the whistle blows.

Smedley, who spent years enforcing and interpreting the Laws at EFL level, brought practical insight to each amendment. His core point was that the revisions are not cosmetic tweaks. They represent a deliberate effort by the International Football Association Board to reduce the stoppages and time-wasting that have frustrated fans at every level of the game.

What changes are coming?

While the Radio Derby segment did not exhaustively list every alteration, Smedley's explanation centred on several areas supporters at the Pirelli Stadium should watch closely this season:

  • Ball-in-play targets: Referees will be more proactive in keeping the game moving, with tighter enforcement around time-wasting at goal kicks, free kicks and throw-ins.
  • Goalkeeper handling: Adjustments to how and when goalkeepers can control the ball are intended to prevent dead-ball situations from dragging on.
  • Encroachment and restarts: Defenders must retreat more quickly at set pieces, reducing the delays that have become a routine feature of lower-league football.

The cumulative effect, according to Smedley, should be matches where the ball is live for longer stretches. Research cited at EFL level has consistently shown that fans rate games more highly when action is continuous, regardless of the scoreline.

What it means for Burton this season

Burton begin their League One campaign having already been held to a 1-1 draw by Stevenage, a result that underlined the competitive nature of the division from the first weekend. Manager Liam Bowyer flagged squad concerns ahead of that opener, and the club has since moved to strengthen, bringing in Collar on loan from MK Dons.

In that context, rule changes that quicken the tempo of matches could matter more than they first appear. A Burton side managing a thin squad will need to navigate games smartly, and any shift in how referees police stoppages will affect how managers set up their teams defensively and how they manage the clock in tight fixtures.

Smedley's broader point, though, was aimed at supporters rather than coaches. Fans who have grown frustrated watching players surround referees or goalkeepers slowly roll the ball to the edge of their area should notice a difference as the season progresses.

Referees briefed ahead of the campaign

The 19-minute Radio Derby segment is part of a wider effort to communicate the changes directly to club communities before they become a talking point after a contentious decision. Smedley confirmed that match officials across the EFL have been fully briefed and that consistency of application will be a priority in the early weeks of the season.

For Burton supporters heading to the Pirelli Stadium this term, the message is simple: the game should feel more like football and less like a series of managed pauses. Whether that benefits the Brewers will depend on how quickly Bowyer's squad adapts.

Frequently asked

What are the new Laws of the Game for 2026/27?
The 2026/27 Laws of the Game focus mainly on increasing ball-in-play time, with referees instructed to clamp down on time-wasting at restarts, tighten encroachment rules at set pieces, and limit delays caused by goalkeepers. Former EFL official Ian Smedley explained the changes on Radio Derby in August 2026.
How will the new football rules affect Burton Albion this season?
The rule changes apply to all League One matches, including Burton's fixtures. Quicker restarts and less time-wasting could affect how teams manage tight games, which is particularly relevant for Burton given their squad challenges heading into the 2026/27 campaign.
When do the new Laws of the Game come into effect in League One?
The new Laws came into force at the start of the 2026/27 season, meaning they apply to all Burton Albion League One matches from the opening fixture onwards.