Regionalliga Südwest Introduces Multiball System to Improve Game Flow

The Regionalliga Südwest has announced changes ahead of the upcoming season, which will be visible to spectators at the first matchday. The introduction of a multiball system aims to improve game flow and prevent time-wasting.

Instead of relying on ball boys, teams must now have 19 balls available at kickoff: one official ball and 18 spare balls. These are placed on designated stations around the field, with seven per sideline and two per goal line. Players will retrieve their own replacement balls from these stations if the ball goes out of play.

The new system eliminates the need for traditional ball boys, who have been replaced by “ball handlers” responsible for replenishing the stations throughout the game. Directly throwing balls to players is no longer allowed, as this could influence the game’s progression.

This multiball system has already been implemented in the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga last season. The league informed its 36 professional teams that ball boys can now be more active, provided it doesn’t create obvious advantages or disadvantages.

The introduction of this system is expected to enhance the overall fan experience and improve game flow in the Regionalliga Südwest.