MLS 2024: New Rules to Prevent Time-Wasting
As fans of the Major League Soccer (MLS) gear up for the 2024 season, they can expect some significant transformations. MLS's board of governors has announced a number of new initiatives and rule changes that will take effect in the upcoming season. Aimed at prioritizing player health and safety, speeding up play, and enhancing in-game transparency, these rules carry the potential to revolutionize the game.
MLS's New In-Game Regulations
For fans tuning in to MLS on TV today, the game they love is about to get a lot more dynamic. The league's new initiatives prioritize player health and safety while also seeking to evolve the game and uphold the integrity of the competition. Here's a high-level overview of what to expect in the 2024 season:
1. Off-Field Treatment Rule
The Off-Field Treatment Rule, first implemented in MLS NEXT Pro midway through the 2022 season, has been an undeniable success. It has allowed medical staffs time to treat players while ensuring the match can resume quickly.
Starting from the 2024 season, if a player with a suspected injury remains on the ground for more than 15 seconds, the referee will stop play and wave the medical crew onto the field to evaluate the player. Once safe, the player will be removed from the field and remain off the field for a minimum of two minutes for further assessment and treatment.
Exceptions to the Off-Field Treatment Rule include instances of potential head injury, goalkeeper injuries, serious medical events, and fouls resulting in yellow or red cards. With this rule, the league aims to strike a balance between maintaining the flow of the game and ensuring the welfare of its players.
2. Timed Substitution Rule
This rule will undoubtedly change the pace of game we love. Under the Timed Substitution Rule, a substituted player must exit the field within 10 seconds. Failure to do so will result in the incoming player having to wait for a 60-second holding period before entering the game at the next stoppage. During this holding period, the team will play a man down. Exceptions to the rule include injury and goalkeeper substitutions.
This rule was enacted in MLS NEXT Pro during the 2023 season, with 99.7% of the more than 3200 substitutions completed in 10 seconds or less. The purpose behind this rule is to maximize effective match time and prevent time-wasting tactics.
3. In-Stadium VAR Announcements
Transparency is at the heart of this rule change. Pending IFAB approval, VAR decisions will be announced by the referee to fans in the stadium and viewers at home. This will provide more insight into decisions made on the field and enhance the viewer experience for fans watching the MLS .
4. Stoppage Time Clock
The Stoppage Time Clock rule will ensure that scoreboards, video boards, and/or stadium clocks run until the completion of each half, including any additional time at the end of either the first or second half. This means fans will be able to see exactly how much time remains in the match, making the viewing experience more engaging and transparent.
5. Return To Play Equity
In a move promoting player safety and fair play, the Return to Play Equity rule mandates that opposing players who simultaneously incur head injuries requiring off-field treatment, and who are subsequently cleared to return, will return to the game at the same time, once both medical evaluations have been completed.
Rooster Guidelines and other Changes
6. Discovery Slot Reduction
The league will reduce the number of Discovery List slots per club from seven players to five. This change will take effect after the 2024 Roster Compliance date. However, expansion club San Diego FC will maintain seven Discovery List slots from January 1, 2024, through the 2025 Roster Compliance Date, after which the number of slots will be reduced to five.
7. General Allocation Money for Designated Player Transfers
Following the transfer of a Designated Player who meets the TAM eligibility parameters, a club may now elect to receive a portion of transfer fees as General Allocations Money (GAM). This change gives clubs more flexibility in managing their rosters and finances.
8. Residency Deadline
To qualify as a Domestic Player in a given season, a player must establish residency or appear for an immigrant visa interview by the opening of the Secondary Transfer Window.
For fans eager to see these rules in action, the best place to tune in to find upcoming soccer on TV today is Livesportsontv.com. As your go-to source for up-to-date broadcasting information for the MLS and other leagues, we're here to make your sports viewing experience easier and more convenient. So gear up, sit back, and get ready for a revamp of the game you love in the 2024 MLS season.
Author: Dan Anderson