MLS Implementing 3 Rule Changes This Weekend

The rule changes are as follows, per the announcement from MLS:

Off-Field Treatment Rule

“The Off-Field Treatment Rule allows medical professionals with time to assess and treat players off the field of play in a less pressurized environment.

“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. When 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.

“First implemented in MLS NEXT Pro midway through the 2022 season and continued through the entirety of the 2023 season, the Off-Field Treatment Rule has allowed medical staffs time to treat players, while also allowing match play to resume quickly.

“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.”

Timed Substitution Rule

“Maximizing effective match time, the Timed Substitution Rule requires that a substituted player exit the field within 10 seconds. Failure to exit from any point on the field within the 10 seconds will cause the incoming player to wait for a 60-second holding period, before entering the game at the next stoppage. During the holding period and prior to the substitute entering, the team will play down a player. Exceptions to the rule include injury and goalkeeper substitutions.

“Enacted in MLS NEXT Pro during the 2023 season, 99.7% of the more than 3,200 substitutions were completed in 10 seconds or less.”

In-Stadium VAR Announcements

“VAR decisions will be explained and announced by the referee to fans in-stadium and broadcast viewers at home.”

Analysis

These are great changes that were going to be implemented at the beginning of the season before the referee lockout.

On a simple note, it’s great that fans will have access to VAR decisions in-stadium so they can react properly to the announcements. We’ve seen it with most of the major leagues in the U.S., and it should enhance the experience.

The Off-Field Treatment Rule and Timed Substitution Rule will generate chaos surrounding the “gamesmanship” of the sport and will create brief 11 vs. 10 scenarios that could change games. Overall, these should enhance the product for fans at home and at the games.

What’s On Tap Next?

The Fire host Real Salt Lake at Soldier Field on Saturday. The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 PM CT and will air on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+.