MLS is Set to Fight Time Wasting: A Much Needed Fight!

Statista reports that nearly half of a football match's duration involves non-play time. Wasting effective game time in football (or any sport) can lead to a variety of issues.

Here’s a list of some potential problems:

1. Decreased Fan Engagement: Longer periods of inactivity can lead to decreased interest and engagement from spectators, both in-stadium and for broadcast viewers.

2. Economic Impacts: Fans may feel they aren’t getting their money’s worth due to the reduced action, potentially affecting ticket sales and viewership numbers, which can impact revenue streams from tickets, merchandise, and broadcasting rights.

3. Player Frustration: Athletes may become frustrated with frequent stoppages, which can disrupt the flow of the game and affect performance levels.

4. Reduced Athletic Performance: Less active playtime limits the actual physical and strategic engagement of players, which might lead to a lower standard of athletic performance.

5. Increased Risk of Injuries: Interruptions in play can lead to players cooling down physically, possibly increasing the risk of injuries when play resumes.

6. Tactical Disadvantages: Teams that rely on momentum or high-tempo strategies may find frequent disruptions particularly disadvantageous.

7. Negative Impact on Development: Younger players or those in developmental leagues might find their growth and learning of the game hampered by reduced play time.

8. Scheduling Issues: Prolonged games due to stoppages can lead to delays in scheduling, affecting subsequent matches or broadcast programming.

9. Negative Publicity: Consistent criticism about the lack of action can lead to negative media coverage, potentially harming the league’s reputation and its global appeal.

However, how big is the actual time wasting problem? Here is the graph from Statista "Average amount of in-play time in selected soccer leagues in Europe in 2022/23":

However, not much is currently being done to fix this problem. The MLS is implementing two noteworthy measures to address the issue of time wasting, effectively acting as a penalty system to discourage common causes of delays:

1. Two-Minute Rule for Non-Serious Injuries:

Referees will now halt play if a player suspected of having a non-serious injury remains on the ground for more than 15 seconds. The player will then be required to leave the field for evaluation and treatment, staying off for a minimum of two minutes. Exceptions include head injuries, goalkeeper injuries, serious medical events, and fouls resulting in cards, as these situations often necessitate longer attention on the pitch.

This initiative represents a significant shift from traditional soccer practices, where injury claims—especially when a team is protecting a lead—frequently lead to substantial reductions in active play, thereby diminishing the game's effectiveness.

2. Timed Substitution Rule:

Under the new timed substitution rule, a player being substituted must exit the field within 10 seconds. Failure to comply results in the incoming player having to wait 60 seconds before joining the game at the next stoppage. In the MLS Next Pro, an impressive 99.7% of over 3,200 substitutions met this time requirement. Exceptions are allowed for injuries and goalkeeper substitutions.

These initiatives are likely to encourage more continuous play and reduce manipulative delays that detract from the game's pace and excitement.

Teams may need to adjust their strategies and player conditioning to cope with these rules, particularly the potential of playing with ten men for two minutes, which could significantly impact game dynamics.

The effectiveness of these rules could set a precedent for other leagues facing similar issues, potentially leading to wider adoption in the global soccer community if successful.

In conclusion, the MLS's introduction of initiatives such as the two-minute rule for non-serious injuries and the timed substitution rule is poised to foster more continuous play and minimize strategic delays that undermine the pace and excitement of the game.

These changes will require teams to adapt their strategies and conditioning, especially considering the tactical implications of potentially playing with ten men for two minutes.

Should these rules prove effective, they could serve as a model for other leagues grappling with similar challenges, potentially leading to their broader implementation across the global soccer community.