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Soccer; probably the world's most loved outdoor game. The sport would be
perfect if it weren't for some details in the regulations. But it is still a
developing sport, we can expect more changes. Here are a couple of
suggestions that I think would elevate the game:
The number of players
Today's rules allow each team to have ten outfield players. But today's
players are well trained and easily follow the movement of the ball across
the field. This makes the game almost as a rule look mushy, in situations
around the goal it becomes downright chaotic. Remove one player from each
team so that the total number of outfield players becomes 18. The number of
players in relation to the size of the field is important for the overall
impression. If the players tend to get exhausted; allow more player
substitutions!
The size of Soccer goals
Capable goalkeepers can be excused, but the crowd actually wants to see some
goals when they go to a Soccer game. A typical result in a Soccer match is
probably 2-1 to either team (in a better match). But it would be desirable
if the average in the goal statistics was instead around the result 3-2. How
to accomplish this? Why not increase the size of the goal slightly, for
example 30 cm in length and 10 cm in height, the goalkeepers would be
relieved of some of the pressure of always having to be flawless.
The offside rule
What is the kindest thing you can say about the offside rule? It would most
likely be that the linesman looks funny running back and forth. No, remove
the offside rule now, the game will have a completely different flow and we
will avoid these eternal discussions about doubtful cases. Instead,
introduce a rule that strikers may not enter the penalty area until the ball
from the attacking team has crossed the center line. An attacking player
could otherwise "park" in the penalty area and disturb the goalkeeper.
Free kicks
No one (except die-hard sports fans) understands where, how and when
indirect free kicks take place. Let a free kick be a free kick, to be aimed
wherever the player so wishes. In doubtful cases, for example when a player
happens to pass to his own goalkeeper, the free kick can be moved to the
penalty area line. Why mess with the rules for no reason? It is important
that the crowd immediately understands what the free kick means and what
options the player has available.
Penalty kicks
A penalty kick in soccer is almost without exception equal to a goal, only a
"brain-fag" on the part of the penalty taker can cause him to miss.
According to current regulations, the penalty spot must be located 9 meters
from the goal line, but it would be better if the distance was increased to
10 meters. The goalkeeper's save percentage would increase at the same time
that any "feigned faul" in the penalty area became less decisive:
I forward greater uncertainty in penalty kicks!
Blocking the ball
It sometimes happens that the ball is on its way to the touchline or short
line. The defender knows that the throw-in or kick-in is in favor of his own
team, therefore the player deliberately blocks the ball so that the
attacking player does not get to it. This is bad manners and certainly does
not favor the idea of the game, the ball should be kept in play if
possible. In obvious cases, therefore, the referee should blow the whistle
for 'obstruction' and award a free kick to the attacking team.
Passive play
The referee can, today as we speak, blow the whistle for obstruction, when a
player sabotages the game or when the goalkeeper takes too long to do a
kick-out. But the referee should also during normal play be allowed to blow
a free kick when one team delays the play or only passes within the team in
their own half. This very rule has been introduced in handball, which has
given a vitamin injection to that sport. The crowd wants to see constructive
football, the referee should definitely, and very strongly, prevent passive
play.
Hazardous headers
As a pure safety measure, dangerous headers should be discouraged. Such a
header is when the player stands firmly on the ground and nods a long high
kick from the goalkeeper, there is a risk of long-term neck injuries. An
approved header in this context is when the player has both feet in the air,
which puts significantly less strain on the head and neck. Headers on
corners can be accepted because players usually jump towards the ball
anyway. If the rule doesn't exist, it will probably be here soon.
Limited penalties for yellow cards
Whenever a yellow card is handed out, the player should, in the name of
consequence, also be sent off for a certain time. As a suggestion, a yellow
card can lead to a 10 minute penalty, this can counter the speculation in
yellow cards that some teams sometimes fall for (you take a penalty or two
to win the game). If penalties in the long term lead to safer games, then
that is excellent. Penalties can even add dynamics to football (tactics at
game advantages and disadvantages).
Referee signs
The refereeing team should expand their sign language significantly, the
audience as well as players must immediately understand why the referee has
stopped the game. This is especially important these days as the crowd noise
is often overwhelming; the players sometimes not even hearing the referee's
whistle. But above all, it is a service and a quality improvement, so that
the spectators easily can engage in what happens in the match. A variety of
referee signs are needed for different events and for different violations.
Silver goal
I am a supporter of the extension variant, Silver goal; that extra
time continues for 15 minutes even if there is a goal, and that a second
period of 15 minutes is finished if the score is tied. You also have to
accept penalties if the game is a draw even after extra time. But as a
complement to fixed penalties, you could have a lone player dribbling from
the center spot towards a moving goalkeeper. Maybe not a dream scenario for
a player but definitely fun for the spectators.
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