Another SOCCER thread: Here's what FIFA should do.

[loochy]

1- Keep the three-sub rule for the duration of the game. Allow one extra substitution for over-time.

No, this is part of the strategy and planning.

2- Allow unlimited substitution at halftime.

No, this is part of the strategy and planning.

3- Join the 21st century with video technology. Replays don't have to be for every little dispute or questionable call. Just goals the are disallowed with near obvious bad calls or ref mistakes. Goals that are illegally stopped by D in a rather obvious infraction (remember US/Germany 2002). Use them also in Red-card situations. Kaka should never have been kicked out that last game.

I say use the technology for goal line situations only. Even though refs make mistakes, you can't stop down and go over to a video camera for every little foul. Red card situations are often based upon perceived intent, which is a subjective thing for the ref, so a review usually won't help there.

4- Continuing the video tech theme, there should be cameras dedicated to the goal line (as in Tennis' line cameras) to show whether a ball is actually in as a goal or not.

Definitely this.

5- Devise a way to severely punish cheap dives, even if it's after a post-match review. Red-card a blatant diver, after the review and make him ineligible for the next game. Better yet, the next two games. (example: the guy who grabbed his face and fell on the ground in 'excruciating' pain after Kaka feather-touched him in the chest.)

Definitely this again.

Ideas not yet included in the list since I'm not yet convinced:

A- One offside goal per game should be allowed using basically a team coupon?

That would totally change the way the game is played. Definitely no. You want goals and no offsides? Go watch indoor soccer. Oh wait, that sucks and nobody likes it.

B- Maybe having two refs each assigned to half a field?

I like this idea the best of all.

Your thoughts, ideas and arguments not just welcome but encouraged. I will add the ones that convince me to the above list.

Discuss away.


I must say that I would like review or officiating help added, but only when it doesn't change the flow, pace, or style of the game. The rules of the game can not, should not, and will not be changed.

[Stinger]

Originally Posted by loochy

B- Maybe having two refs each assigned to half a field?

I like this idea the best of all.

Agree with everything you said except this part. To much inconsistency there between two referees. And like you said game flow is what it is about. I would suggest maybe putting another referee assistant behind the goals for an extra set of eyes for corner kicks, crosses, and goals scored.

[Frankie]

Originally Posted by loochy

3- Join the 21st century with video technology. Replays don't have to be for every little dispute or questionable call. Just goals the are disallowed with near obvious bad calls or ref mistakes. Goals that are illegally stopped by D in a rather obvious infraction (remember US/Germany 2002). Use them also in Red-card situations. Kaka should never have been kicked out that last game.

I say use the technology for goal line situations only. Even though refs make mistakes, you can't stop down and go over to a video camera for every little foul. Red card situations are often based upon perceived intent, which is a subjective thing for the ref, so a review usually won't help there.

See red. I have already covered that. Thanks for the thoughtful reply tho.

[loochy]

Originally Posted by Frankie

See red. I have already covered that. Thanks for the thoughtful reply tho.

Sorry. I got all excited about posting about something I actually know and care about.