From the SCG they stated that they had an issue with the way the away fixtures had fallen, in that Burton, Blues, and Wolves all fall very early in the season.
They realised that someone could join the away scheme for the early season, and then leave the scheme immediately after these fixtures, having gained a significant advantage over non-away scheme members who had attended 15+ games last season.
Therefore, only those who were members last season and attended the minimum qualifying games, and those who were not away scheme members but attended 15+ away games last season can apply at this stage.
This strikes me as well thought through and very fair.