Airdrie boss Ian Murray has hit out at the SPFL over the rule which means clubs can only use three substitutes in the play-offs instead of the five replacements that have been allowed during the league season.
For teams like the Diamonds, it has been a gruelling and intense schedule since the lower league shutdown was lifted in March and clubs have crammed in almost half a regular season into six weeks.
Five substitutes were approved at the start of the campaign in July for league matches, with three stated for play-offs.
However, ahead of Airdrie's Championship play-off final with Morton next week Murray insists that should have been changed given the exertions clubs like his have had to endure.
He said: "What these boys have been asked to do in this short period of time, it's a great effort for them.
"But what is really galling for me is the number of subs being reduced in the play-offs from the regular season, which doesn't help the players, myself, or anyone at all.
"We talk so much about well-being of people and well-being of footballers mentally, but we also have to respect the physical side as well."
Airdrie defeated League One rivals Cove Rangers in Tuesday night's semi-final with a dramatic 4-3 aggregate win after extra-time.
The two-leg final has been pushed back to May 18 and 21 to allow for fans to return when restrictions on supporters in stadiums ease on May 17.
And Murray is grateful for the extra few days recovery for his stars ahead of the crunch clashes with the Championship side.
He added: "They need the break.
"Circumstances this season have dictated how the schedule has gone.
"There's been so many games in such a short period of time but we haven't really said too much about it before because we've just had to get on with it like everyone else.
"We are playing a team from the league above so it's going to be very difficult.
"It's all in their favour, they are at home for the second leg, but we go into it full of confidence."
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