Explained: MLS' three new competitive initiatives which are being introduced after lengthy delay

Prior to the start of the 2024 MLS season, the league announced that three new competitive initiatives would arrive for the campaign. However, they were delayed as a result of the months-long lockout of the PSRA officials.

With PRO, MLS and the PSRA all working together again, the following three competitive initiatives will be implemented starting this weekend: In-stadium VAR announcements, an off-field treatment rule and timed substitutions.

GOAL breaks down each rules below.

If a player is suspected to have an injury and remains on the pitch for more than 15 seconds, medical staff will be waved onto the grass for treatment. When it's deemed safe, the player and the medical staff will leave the pitch for further evaluation, and the player will not be able to return to the pitch for a minimum of two minutes.

Exceptions to the rule are moments where there may be a potential head injury, goalkeeper injuries, serious medical events, and fouls resulting in yellow or red cards. The goal of the rule is to reduce time-wasting by players for non-serious injuries while also creating a safe space for medical staff to evaluate players in a less-pressurized environment.

In-stadium VAR announcements by the center official are set to arrive in week nine. The announcements will be announced to fans in the stadium and to fans watching via the broadcast at home. The goal of the new rule is to share transparency between players, staff and fans with the referees when making a decision using Video Review technology.

When a substitution between a player on the field and one on the bench is being made, the active player will now only have 10 seconds to leave the pitch after his number is raised on the board by the fourth official. The player is expected to leave at the closest, safest and most convenient part of the pitch.

If the active player fails to leave the pitch within 10 seconds, the player being substituted into the game will be forced to wait for a 60-second 'holding period' until entering at the next moment of stoppage. As a result, the opposition team will have a man advantage during the short time span. The rule is being implemented in hopes that it will reduce time wasting during substitution periods at any point during a match.

Week nine kicks off on Saturday with 12 matches across the evening broadcasted on Apple TV's MLS Season Pass. Then, two games will wrap up the weekend's action on Sunday evening.