I struggle with this eternal question every year when the rule changes come out. When does the new year start? Some summer camps and leagues jump right in with new rules, others don't.

So when exactly does the new season start???

Logic would dictate that the "new year" starts with the first school game of the season.

Logic also dictates that you would use the new rules at summer camp, since part of why you are there to prepare for the upcoming season.

Logic also dictates that you find out from the administrator of your summer camp, summer or fall league or whatever, as to whether or not they want to use the new rules.

In other words, "it depends."

Hmmm, it depends on how much I'm paying attention.
Sometimes "the new season starts" for me during
the first or second week of January! ;)

For rules, it depends on if both coaches want to use them now. For mechanics, it depends on if my partner has seen the new mechanics. For rules like the one about how the subs reports to the table and the X on the floor. I could care less.

As soon as they come out.
 

When they come out. Or if the league knows to adopt them. It is really up to the area you live and the leagues you do.

X
 

What is the X on the floor for? I don't remember?

Re: X
 

It's now "required" that an "X" be placed at the scorers table so the subs know where to report.

Re: Re: X
 

Well, I guess this will take care of all those subs who try to report in from the locker room.<br><br>Do you ever get the feeling that people just make up silly rules so they can say they're actually <b>doing</b> something? Can anyone say job security?

Re: Re: X
 

Thanks!

Re: X
 

I actually like the X rule. I've seen players not able to find the scorer with three officials at the table, much less when there is an entire media entourage.

Of course, in past years when I've put a taped X on the floor, none of the players figured that out.