They aren't, they are actually old rules, may be news to some commentators but the are called 'push in the Back', and 'holding the ball'. If I hear one more so-called expert winge and sook about 'oh it was only a very light touch' in relation to the in the back rule, or 'what is he supposed to do?' in relation to the holding the ball rule I will fair dinkum spew.
Its very simple. Don't place your hands in a players back, however lightly. I said years ago that Morecrofts mark of the Year, should not have been a mark, he used his hands on his opponents back to get the ride, free to his opponent, I don't care if he got to the top story of the Rialto. Only takes a slight touch to push someone under the ball at pace. A player's ability to get in front should be rewarded, as it always has, or should have been.
The holding the ball rule is also very simple, if you're caught, get rid of the ball. Don't flop around pretending to be trying to get the ball away when you are actually waiting for teamate support, we can see right through you, it looks ridiculous, and guess what? If a teamate is in support its amazing how a player is able to get the ball away. The rule is designed so the player has to get rid of the ball regardless. All these comentator winging about 'but we were tuaght to go in for the ball' still are you *smile*s, but you have to assess the situation and make the right decsion, tap it on, or take possession and be aware of the consequences if you take on you're opponent and lose.
This crap from the commentators is really sh!tting me off.
These so-called new rules are actually old rules that slipped out of the game gradually as it got quicker, while they are at it, they should bring back the strict throw rule.