Soccer makes me crazy

[bainsey]

Allow me to answer a few...

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

First ... the clock. WTH is with the clock going up? Instead of stoppage time, why not actually STOP the clock?

I used to think the same, but just forget about it. The FIFA folk decided a long time ago that once the clock starts, it doesn't stop. That's how it's done around the world, and that's what's accepted.

Somewhere, there's a YouTube video of a high school game where someone nailed a last-second shot (which I thought was late, but I digress), and comments from outside the U.S. thought it was ridiculous that there was a firm time limit. To them, that's not football, and we're in the minority on that one.

Now, since the clock never stops, here's a reason for time added on. Let's the half ends at 45:00. At 44:50 a striker goes on a breakaway and gets nailed by a defender 20 yards out. Ten running seconds is not enough time to set up a decent free kick, so if you can't stop the clock, you have to tack it on the other end. That's why they let plays "play out."

Second, HTH can you expect ONE referee, and 2-4 junior level helpers that aren't even allowed on the field, to officiate a game that's played on a MUCH larger surface than football and features constantly changing location of play - when it takes SEVEN to do football - and several of those on the field.

Apples and watermelons. In football, 22 guys are crammed into a much tighter space than 22 in soccer. While you do indeed get straightlined in soccer, like any other sport, you don't need seven guys. And yes, the four officials have unique responsibilities.

Third, WTH is this "we don't even have to tell you what the foul was" nonsense.

I completely agree. Someone tried to explain to me that other cultures don't view "owning up" in the same way we Americans do, but confusion is universal. That should change.

Lastly - I'm not yet in the "instant replay" crowd for soccer - especially if they fix the not-enough-referees situation... but there should DEFINITELY be an after-game review of every card handed out.

Actually, I'd prioritize something technological for goal review over reviewing every card. The missed goal in the England/Germany game is understandable -- I wasn't sure myself until I saw the replay -- but it can be solved with the assistance of the fourth official. I agree that cards should have some review process, but I think getting goals right comes first.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by bainsey

Apples and watermelons. In football, 22 guys are crammed into a much tighter space than 22 in soccer. While you do indeed get straightlined in soccer, like any other sport, you don't need seven guys. And yes, the four officials have unique responsibilities.

I have to disagree here. I work football. The fact the the play at least begins in a concentrated area actually makes it EASIER to call, not harder. Spread these 22 people all over the field, and there's no way 3-7 referees could see everything. In soccer - the ball can be in one place 1 second, and very far away 3 seconds later - no way a SINGLE on-field referee can call everything accurately. I'd like to place blame for several of these horrendous calls on bad refereeing, but as often as not, I think the real culprit is not enough people, causing straightlining and angle problems, not to mention distance.

[Welpe]

I don't know enough about soccer officiating to really comment about how many officials are needed but I will say that Mike is correct about football officiating. Years ago when football was mainly a running game, you could get away with having fewer officials as all of the action was mostly in one place. With the growth of the passing game and the spread offense, more officials were needed in order to provide effective coverage of the play down field. This is why the NFL has evolved from 3 officials all the way to 7. Same with college and even high school in some areas has gone to 7 officials for the regular season.

[bainsey]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

In soccer - the ball can be in one place 1 second, and very far away 3 seconds later - no way a SINGLE on-field referee can call everything accurately.

Working solo games isn't easy, even at the middle school level. I assure you of that. But remember, these FIFA referees aren't alone. The A/Rs are also signaling offside, fouls, etc., and the referee counts on their sideline angles as much as his own (especially for offside).

Fortunately, the FIFA president openly stated that he will re-open talks about goal-line technology. I think something could be worked out with the fourth official where something like this could be a reality.

[bainsey]

Originally Posted by bainsey

Somewhere, there's a YouTube video of a high school game where someone nailed a last-second shot (which I thought was late, but I digress), and comments from outside the U.S. thought it was ridiculous that there was a firm time limit. To them, that's not football, and we're in the minority on that one.

Voila...Here's the video in question.

[Welpe]

The comments from those outside the country are hilarious. They are losing their ever loving minds.

Oh and soccer on a football field looks horrible.

[futuredoc2014]

Originally Posted by bainsey

Allow me to answer a few...


I used to think the same, but just forget about it. The FIFA folk decided a long time ago that once the clock starts, it doesn't stop. That's how it's done around the world, and that's what's accepted.

Somewhere, there's a YouTube video of a high school game where someone nailed a last-second shot (which I thought was late, but I digress), and comments from outside the U.S. thought it was ridiculous that there was a firm time limit. To them, that's not football, and we're in the minority on that one.

Now, since the clock never stops, here's a reason for time added on. Let's the half ends at 45:00. At 44:50 a striker goes on a breakaway and gets nailed by a defender 20 yards out. Ten running seconds is not enough time to set up a decent free kick, so if you can't stop the clock, you have to tack it on the other end. That's why they let plays "play out."


Apples and watermelons. In football, 22 guys are crammed into a much tighter space than 22 in soccer. While you do indeed get straightlined in soccer, like any other sport, you don't need seven guys. And yes, the four officials have unique responsibilities.


I completely agree. Someone tried to explain to me that other cultures don't view "owning up" in the same way we Americans do, but confusion is universal. That should change.

Actually, I'd prioritize something technological for goal review over reviewing every card. The missed goal in the England/Germany game is understandable -- I wasn't sure myself until I saw the replay -- but it can be solved with the assistance of the fourth official. I agree that cards should have some review process, but I think getting goals right comes first.

HS soccer used to have foul signals, but someone got to them and they abolished them. I work Fed games though with NFHS guys who still use the signals on unclear fouls, or with U-littles to help teach them. My rant is that of referees who don't try to take care of situations using conversation or understanding. Yes a card is needed at times, but just running up, flashing a card, and walking away does nothing to calm the situation or prevent fouls. It also just makes the player mad. Sometimes it is ok to have a short discussion with a player as to why they are receiving a card, or say a quick "watch those elbows" after a simple or trivial foul. Referees who are impersonal are generally disliked by teams. Players do however have respect for officials who will listen to players and explain things.