The NBL has announced a crackdown on dirty play only weeks out from the new season, warning players will face immediate ejection for dangerous contact.

Direct contact to a rival player's head or neck, contact with airborne or otherwise vulnerable players, and unnecessary, flagrant or excessive conduct could all result in a player's dismissal from the game as part of rule changes announced on Friday afternoon.

An player's wind-up action, impact and follow-through, as well as any mitigating circumstances, would all be assessed by match officials prior to determining whether a shot warrants ejection.

AAP understands the NBL has instigated the crackdown in a bid to protect players, predominantly from head injury.

"In the event a player engages in what we deem a dangerous act, they'll be immediately disqualified," said NBL head of basketball operations Vince Crivelli.

"We simply won't tolerate any players who jeopardise the safety of others through these types of dangerous actions and they'll be shown the door, with potential other sanctions to follow.

"We have a responsibility to ensure all players are able to ply their trade in a safe environment, and we must always uphold the integrity of the competition through fair play, sportsmanship and respect for one another."

The NBL has also announced referees will be stricter in ensuring timeouts only last for 60 seconds as the league looks to speed the game up this season.

A warning bell will be sounded after 50 seconds of a timeout, with referees to directly address coaches if players have not returned to the court ready to play after 60 seconds.

It comes after data revealed a third of all matches in the 2023/24 season lasted longer than they should have and an average of four minutes and 12 seconds in delays caused by overly long timeouts.