KUALA LUMPUR – The Asian Sepaktakraw Federation (ASTAF) has unveiled new procedures aimed at tackling misconduct by players and team officials during competitions, in a bid to protect the sport’s image.
The special standard operating procedures (SOP), launched today at the Sepak Takraw League: Champions Cup 2025 in Seremban, are designed to deter unruly behaviour such as barging onto the court, throwing water bottles, swearing at match officials and damaging equipment.
ASTAF president Abdul Halim Kader said such acts had previously marred the game’s reputation and needed to be dealt with firmly.
“This SOP will see players and officials automatically shown red or yellow cards for such offences. This must be followed by mandatory suspension from several matches until the technical representative or competitions director receives the umpire’s official complaint report, discusses it and action is taken by the organiser’s disciplinary committee,” he said in a statement.
The new measures also clarify existing clauses in the International Sepak Takraw Federation’s (ISTAF) Laws of the Game, which Abdul Halim said were due for an update.
“It’s high time this SOP is introduced, while the roles and responsibilities of match umpires are updated,” he added.
To support implementation, ASTAF worked with the Sepaktakraw Association of Malaysia (PSM) in streamlining the rules, with 10 Malaysian umpires and five others from Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and South Korea, alongside 10 international technical officials, in attendance.
ASTAF has also introduced a new match umpire analysis form to improve officiating standards, which will take effect at the ongoing Champions Cup. — September 3, 2025