LAW CHANGES, FOOD FOR THOUGHT by Graham Ramsay
To change or not to changes, this is the question.
Is it nobler to produce a1000 clones of Gentile (U.S. National Team and FIFA World Cup 1970) or a 1000 Zico’s (most skilled dribbler and finisher ever and possibly the world's best player in the 80's) for the sport to prosper?
The game, or more accurately, the attitudes that surround it are changing, so maybe it’s time to reassess the Laws to encourage the Zico’s of this world.
At present, many games are being marred by petty abuse of the game and it’s Laws, e.g. dissent, time wasting with an abundance of back passing to the goalkeeper, defenders not retreating 10 yards at free kicks, cheap fouls of obstruction, etc.
Unfortunately, many of these shady tactics have assumed an aura of legitimacy as we accept them as part of the game. The so-called “professional foul” is now considerable reasonable ploy at many levels of the sport.
It has always amazed me what it has to with professionalism. A good professional adds to the game skill, enthusiasm and determination. A poor player admits being second best by committing such “unprofessional” or cynical fouls”. They only serve to hurt the greatest team sport.
Although the referee does not commit these fouls, his reaction is important to dealing with these situations. His tone can make or mar a game. Over reaction means players challenging the official resulting in chaos. On the other hand, a too lenient approach by the referee festers anger in players to use any means possible to get revenge or a cheap advantage. However, if his approach is firm, even and fair, then a game has a chance to flow and develop.
Over reaction by officials or lawmakers is nothing more than panic which in turn leaves soccer in a more confused mess. Any alteration requires great thought and experimentation before inking it into the law-book. Also, it is important to consider what will happen to the game itself. Just to invent a new law and then find it alters the sport’s unique personality would be a tragedy.
In the past year I have compiled some ideas which are offered here as food for thought. If they make you think about making the sport more skillful and enjoyable then they may be worth a try.
1) Players not retreating 10 yards at a free kick. To use the 10 yard rule from Rugby union: If an opposing player does not immediately retire 10 yards, the referee moves the ball another 10 yards closer to their goal. It was amazing to see the change in player’s ability to suddenly measure this distance accurately when this law was introduced. Also players stopped coming up to the referee to debate his call.
2) Back-passing to the goalkeeper. Any back-pass to the ‘keeper made outside the penalty area means he can not use his hands. He becomes a regular player. The exceptions would be at goal-kicks and throw-ins.
3) Constant petty fouling. (a) to use or modify the basket ball rule of after so many fouls that team would lose a player for the remainder of the game. (b) To encourage better behavior why not make it count for something? For example, if two teams are level in score (in a play-off) or points in league play at the end of a season the team with the better disciplinary record would win.
In the 1982 World Cup if England and West Germany had tied for top place in their group, this could have been a way of selecting the winner.
These are some of the ideas for improving youth and high school soccer in the States:
1) To use the 35 yard offside line. This would give younger players more space and that would produce more skillful players. It would also prevent a number of coaches from spending too much time on teaching the “offside trap” and turn more of their energy into teaching the skills of the game. It would teach coaches and players where the priorities lie on the pitch, e.g. Defensive third – no risks to be taken, Midfield third – medium risk, and the Attacking third – worth taking a risk.
2) If a regular season game ends in a tie the result should stand. In the play-offs, any player who has received a yellow card in regulation play cannot play in extra time.
In the USA creating good attitudes is absolutely vital to making soccer become a major sport. It is still a young soccer country and the roots need caring attention. If players, coaches, officials and administrators are deflected from the spirit and purpose of the Greater Game, then get ready for the Gentile generation and shorter players.
We all have a great responsibility to provide positive habits to make it nobler to have as many young aspiring Zico’s as possible.
The Soccer School – written by Graham Ramsay for the Soccer Goalpost, October 1982