MLS NEXT Pro Implementing Two New Competition Rules for Second Half of Season
July 7, 2022 - MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
Sporting Kansas City II News Release
MLS NEXT Pro announced Wednesday, two new competition rules that will go into effect beginning with this week's matches. The Off-field Treatment Rule will allow for play to resume quickly, while providing medical professionals time to assess and treat players, off the field of play. The Red Card Suspension Rule will provide greater benefit to the club that suffered a foul resulting in a red card or second yellow card.
Under the Off-field Treatment Rule:
1) If a player is suspected to have an injury and is on the ground for longer than 15 seconds, a medical crew will come onto the field to evaluate the player and assist him off the field
2) Once the player is off the field, the player will be treated by the medical staff and will be required to remain off the field for three minutes
There are specific exceptions to the three-minute requirement, including potential head injury, cardiac issue or other serious medical events.
The new rule will also increase effective match time by reducing the likelihood of players embellishing injuries and the gamesmanship that leads to delays in matches.
"We are looking forward to implementing the Off-field Treatment Rule, as we believe it will positively impact our game in multiple ways," said Ali Curtis, Senior Vice President of Competition & Operations of MLS NEXT Pro. "Not only will it allow our medical professionals to treat our athletes in a less pressurized, more controlled environment, but it will also address players or teams deliberately delaying the game in order to gain a competitive advantage. With less disruptions in play, fans watching will be able to enjoy more soccer and less stoppages."
Under the new Red Card Suspension Rule: If a player receives a red card, he will serve the resulting one-game suspension against that same opponent. The rule applies in the case of a red card or a second yellow card.
The rule was created to provide more fairness to clubs regarding the discipline of red cards.
Full details on both rules are provided in the 2022 MLS NEXT Pro Competition Guidelines.
Both the Off-field Treatment Rule and the Red Card Suspension Rule will be implemented this week as Sporting KC II takes on Colorado Rapids 2 at the University of Denver Soccer Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT and the match can be streamed for free at mlsnextpro.com.
MLS NEXT Pro Stories from July 7, 2022
- Rayo Stays Hot, Hits Hat Trick to Lead RNY FC Past Union II - Rochester New York FC
- Rochester New York FC Blanks Philadelphia Union II - Philadelphia Union II
- Tacoma Defiance Defender Eric Kinzner Loaned to FC Tucscon - Tacoma Defiance
- MLS NEXT Pro Implementing Two New Competition Rules for Second Half of Season - Sporting Kansas City II
- FC Cincinnati 2 Match on July 31 Moved to NKU Soccer Stadium - FC Cincinnati 2
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Sporting Kansas City II Stories
- 10-Man SKC II Survives Chaotic Second Half to Earn a Draw at Dynamo Dos
- SKC II Takes on Dynamo Dos in First Road Match Since May 2
- Nati Clarke Scores First Professional Goal in SKC II Defeat at Home to Rapids 2
- Sporting KC II Signs Academy Defender Andrew Johnson to an MLS NEXT Pro Amateur Contract
- SKC II Concludes Three Game Homestand with Sunday Showdown against Rapids 2
