Seremban: The Asian Sepaktakraw Federation (ASTAF) has implemented new standard operating procedures (SOP) aimed at curbing misconduct by players and team officials during competitions. The announcement was made during the Sepak Takraw League: Champions Cup (STL-CC) 2025 at Arena Karisma in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, ASTAF president Abdul Halim Kader believes that the introduction of the SOP will help prevent disruptive behaviors such as players and officials barging onto the court, throwing water bottles, swearing at match officials, and kicking advertising boards. These actions have previously marred the sport's reputation, prompting ASTAF to take decisive action.

The new SOP mandates automatic penalties, with players and officials receiving red or yellow cards for infractions. Further, there will be mandatory suspensions from matches until an official complaint report is reviewed by the technical representative or competitions director, and the disciplinary committee takes appropriate action.

Additionally, Abdul Halim emphasized the importance of the SOP in enhancing and clarifying specific clauses of the International Sepak Takraw Federation (ISTAF) Laws of the Game. This initiative aims to update the roles and responsibilities of match umpires and ensure better adherence to the regulations.

ASTAF has collaborated with the Sepaktakraw Association of Malaysia (PSM) to refine the SOP with input from certified umpires from Malaysia and other countries, including Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and South Korea. The federation has also introduced a match umpire analysis report to be used at the STL-CC to continuously improve officiating standards.