Bermuda Football Association disclosed yesterday that the 1997/98 season would begin earlier than usual with the Charity Cup match, involving the league and FA Cup champions from last season -- Devonshire Colts and Boulevard -- taking place on Sunday evening, August 31 at BAA Field (8.00).

The starting date for the league campaign has not yet been confirmed as there is still about a month left in the cricket season. But the Martonmere Cup fixtures have already been pencilled in.

Instead of the traditional midweek cup games, the Martonmere group matches will be held on successive Saturday nights at BAA Field (September 6), PHC Stadium (September 13) and Somerset (September 20).

October 18 and 23 are the dates for the semi-finals which will be held at Somerset and Devonshire Rec. As usual the final will be held on November 11.

On September 6, Vasco take on Southampton Rangers of Group II in the 7.00 p.m.

opener, followed by North Village and Dandy Town. The following weekend at PHC Stadium sees Rangers playing Boulevard and Devonshire Colts taking on Dandy Town in Group I.

The Somerset fixtures on September 20 see Vasco playing Boulevard at 7.00 and North Village taking on Devonshire Colts in the nightcap.

Last season for the first time in the history of the Martonmere Cup the two semi-finals were played on separate dates.

The competition also broke away from traditional Tuesday night slots for the group and semi-final matches.

Boulevard are the defending champions following their 1-0 win over North Village in last season's final.

The Blazers have appeared in the last four finals, winning in 1993-94 against Devonshire Colts and losing twice to Vasco in 1994-95 and '95-96.

Meanwhile, it was confirmed yesterday that new rule changes recently introduced by FIFA will be adopted at the start of the season.

They include the inability of the goalkeeper to pick up the ball from a throw-in by a team-mate, though the 'keeper can still handle the ball if thrown in by an opponent. The goalkeeper can also still handle the ball if headed back by a team-mate. Referees are expected to be more strict in their handling serious foul play and violent conduct.

FIFA have long been concerned about tackles from behind which have often resulted in injuries, said Aldwyn Savery, first vice president of the BFA and a former referee.

Savery pointed out that the penalty would depend on the severity and intention of the foul.

"With professional fouls, FIFA have given instructions that referees must penalise to the degree and intention of the foul,'' said Savery.

"The general practice for the referees is that dissent in any manner must not be tolerated. FIFA have made it clear that they must caution.'' Teams will now be abe to score directly from the kick-off, allowing the attacking team to capitalise if a goalkeeper is out of position when the whistle is blown.

Previously the ball was only in play after travelling its circumference. Now it will be deemed in play once touched.

Another change affecting the goalkeeper, seen as crucial in stamping out time-wasting, is the time restriction placed on 'keepers keeping the ball in their possession. That will be limited to a maximum of six seconds with anything over being penalised by an indirect free kick.

It was that rule that influenced a result in Scotland on the weekend when Dundee United's 'keeper was penalised for holding onto the ball too long.

Opponents Hibernian scored from the resulting free kick to earn a 1-1 draw.