Now, soccer is showcasing its 12th World Cup event; this is the first time I’ve seen it. I admit that I am not an expert on soccer. As a lawyer with many years of experience, I am an expert in rules. Bad rules are easy to spot, and soccer has plenty.
Since everything I have read about FIFA describes it, I am aware that I am writing in futility. It is a bureaucratic body that moves at the speed erosion and lumbers. Worse, FIFA appears to be enjoying the controversy and interpreting all the negative publicity through the prism that “there’s nothing like bad publicity”.
FIFA’s wrong. This environment is not conducive to soccer growth. Referees are not a good idea for new fans. Soccer, unlike baseball does not require publicity through scandal, controversy, or conflict. The popularity of soccer can be sustained by its simple appeal and the fact it is so inexpensive to play. To start a soccer match, you only need a field, a ball and some ridiculous rules.
Also, I understand that FIFA will not change the rules unless Adidas, McDonald’s and Budweiser tell them to. Perhaps it is time to discuss new ways soccer can be officiated in light of Wrestlemania’s worst refereed major sporting event. I am gaining a greater appreciation for the game, especially its sudden action and speed. This is something that has been missing from American professional sports and its break-in pace.
Despite growing love for soccer, I have come to realize that the World Cup 2010 has made me question my belief in the sport. The rules, officials, and governing body are not fulfilling their potential. It is frustrating to see FIFA and its referees trying to stifle soccer’s potential.
It’s difficult to see where reform can begin as the game-altering missteps keep adding up with each round. My vote goes to the field of play. The best place to begin is to modify the rules to make it less demanding of officials and to return the results to the athletes.
1. First, get rid of the offside rule. The soccer offside rule is the most absurd rule ever to appear in organized sports. There are many problems with this rule. It is the only rule that allows one team to control the boundary of the field. Amazingly, the players of the defending team can make their opponent side by running forward after the pass is made. This “defensive” play does not display any athletic skill and ends valuable scoring opportunities in soccer. It also looks stupid. A sports field’s boundaries should be fixed and unmovable.
The offside rule basically requires that the assistant referee not be able to see too many events simultaneously, even if they are separated by distance or occur in a fraction of a second. A typical pass into the penalty zone, where most controversial blown calls are made, requires the official to see the passing player pass and also see the location of his receiver. Then, the official will compare the position at the time of the pass with that of the defending players. The offside boundary is always moving so the official must often make the call while moving. The official’s ability to make an accurate offside call can be severely affected if he is upfield or downfield from the moving line 스포츠무료중계.
It is often impossible for an official see both the receiving and passing players simultaneously, as there is often a distance between them. The official would then need independent operating eyes to correctly call the play, something that evolution has not given us. Marty Feldman, horses, lizards and horses cannot call the offside rule reliably. It is no surprise that replays show that the call on the field is incorrect.
The solution? Borrow from hockey. The goal of soccer should be to draw a line on the field. A line should be drawn ten yards from the top of your penalty area. The offsides rule will cease to apply once the ball has been advanced beyond that line. All passes would be legal. The offsides rule would still apply to passes that were made beyond the line. This rule would be easier to call, reducing the number of critical blown calls. This rule would increase excitement by increasing scoring opportunities, especially for sets that are placed from far.
2. Replay goals. A blown call on a goal is the worst thing for fans. A blown call on a goal in soccer can change the game. These blown calls can frustrate hardcore fans and cause them to lose patience. FIFA’s stubbornness, complete unreasonableness and inability to resolve this fundamental issue only fuels anger and frustration among fans. People support athletics because they are entertained by great athletes and not outraged at poor officiating. If a sporting event is not well-organized and fans feel cheated or angry, then you have failed as a governing body.
The technology has allowed the fan to see the truth on a goal, regardless of whether it is television or smart phone. This truth can be a powerful force. FIFA will not allow such technology to be used at great expense to the game. When the truth is right in front of them, they won’t believe the lies about “keeping it pure” that FIFA tells fans.
