National Soccer League (NSL) Special General Meeting (SGM) Rule Changes

The National Soccer League (NSL) held its Special General Meeting this week in Johannesburg where, among other issues that were discussed are Rule changes.

Rule changes which were adopted at the SMG:

Following the incidents involving Fabrice Muamba and Itumeleng Khune, the League has introduced a detailed set of medical rules that clubs will be expected to adhere to in the future.

According to the new rules, the home club will have to provide a doctor and physiotherapist at every match to take care of the players and match officials, and an additional doctor with supporting paramedics to deal with any medical incidents in the crowd. At least one Advance Life Support paramedic must be on site from the time gates open for the public.

The Rules also specify minimum levels of equipment and medical facilities that must be available at all times including, but by no means limited to, a defibrillator and oxygen.

In another change, a time limit for lodging of complaints has been introduced. This means that complaints must now be lodged within 40 days of the closing of the previous transfer window.

Finally, a change has been made to the Yellow card rule whereby a player will receive a one-match suspension after his first four yellow cards. If he receives another four yellow cards, he will again receive a one match suspension but if he receives a further four yellow cards, he will be suspended for three matches in the same season.