How many matches does a red card cost?

Under NSL Handbook Rule 53, a dismissal (a straight red card or two yellow cards in the same match) brings an automatic suspension from the team's next matches in any League competition:

• First dismissal of the season: next 2 matches
• Each further dismissal that season: 1 match more than the previous suspension (3, then 4, and so on)

Other points:

• Any part of a suspension left at the end of the season is served at the start of the next season.
• A dismissal in a match stopped or abandoned before the end of normal time still stands.
• The rule also applies to club officials sent off; while suspended they may not enter the perimeter demarcation or the tunnel.
• A suspension moves with the player or official to a new club.
• A club may ask for a review only on the ground of mistaken identity, in writing, to the SAFA Referees' Review Committee.

The Disciplinary Committee can add further sanctions for serious misconduct.