Blackburn Rovers' new campaign begins in two weeks, with a trip to Molineux on the horizon. Ahead of the new season, ProRef, rebranded from PGMOL, will focus on new methods to improve the flow of matches. EFL referees have been instructed on tactics to restrict time-wasting, which has been a source of frustration for supporters. As has already been detailed this week, a new trial to prevent goalkeeper time-wasting will be implemented. If any shot-stopper goes down for treatment, a nominated player will have to leave the pitch for one minute. If nobody is selected within 10 seconds, the captain will come off. Players can still go over to the benches during this time. There are obvious caveats to this rule, such as if a player has been fouled, they're bleeding, or there is a collision, as these are genuine signs of injury. In addition, new guidance is now in place for substitutions. A player will be given 10 seconds to leave the pitch at the nearest point. If they do not, the player coming on for them will have to wait one minute after the next stoppage to enter the pitch. Effectively, this leaves a team playing with 10 men for a short period as a punishment. There will also be a five-second countdown on throw-ins. This will start at the referee's discretion and if not taken in time, the throw is reversed. This is the same for goal-kicks, where a corner will be awarded. The eight-second goalkeeper restart countdown from open play also remains in place. There are also new guidelines on hair pulling. Last season, there was a blanket approach that any offence would receive an automatic red card. This season, there is more nuance allowed. For violent offences, a red card will still be shown. But an incident where there is no excessive force will only result in a caution. Where there is little to no contact and it is clearly accidental, nothing will be given. Referees will also clamp down on obstructions in the penalty area, in a bid to reduce the amount of grappling from set-pieces. This includes players deliberately impeding the goalkeeper through their actions or blocking line of sight. EFL officials will be told to maintain a 'high threshold' for contact. Not every contact is a foul and not every foul is a yellow card, is the briefing to referees. They will also be applying a 'less is more' approach to handballs. Any deflections or deviations in the ball before striking the hand won't be punished. There must be a 'significant movement' away from the body or towards the ball. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 20th in Championship, 52 pts, 13W-13D-20L from 46 games, recent form LWDLD. Goals this season: 42 scored, 56 conceded (-14 goal difference).