Visible clock that gets stopped when play is stopped so everyone can see it. Not for throw ins and such, but free kicks are taking a minute these days, goal kicks are even worse, with corners about the same when a player wanders over from left back to take a right wing corner if they’re ahead.
In light of the above, games are 2 x 40 minute halves of ACTUAL IN-GAME PLAY.
Time wasting on a throw in, ref blows whistle and ball given to other team.
All teams required to have 2 U-23s on bench. If you use all 3 subs, 1 has to be from those 2 players. Goalkeeper injury allowed to be replaced at any time, regardless of other substitutions.
Free kick from point of infraction when defender touches ball before it leaves the penalty area from a dead ball.
Penalty kick is one time kick from 11m. No follow up, no jostling on the edge of the box. Either scores on first attempt or restart with goal kick.
Actual 10m dashed quadrant around corner flag to stop encroachment.
Dashed line across each half at 30m mark is new “halfway line” for offside. Helps stretch out play.
And, while we are repainting the lines, make the penalty area a solid 20m semi circle, instead of a rectangle. No more need for the 10 yd penalty spot arc extension, as they’re one shot and done.
VAR only allowed on potential red card or goal decisions, to include fouls (offside) in the build up since last possession by defending team.
Ref must consult with VAR officials BEFORE awarding red card, as refs will often NOT undermine their own by changing the decision. Blow the whistle, immediately signal VAR (visible large box sign, not this holding your ear shit!), discuss with VAR official while they review it.
Allow retroactive discipline, even if ref supposedly “saw” the offense, but didn’t give correct punishment, if it was not deemed a VAR offense at the time.
Stretcher immediately brought on anytime Physio enters field of play. Player removed from field at nearest point BEFORE Physio can treat, except in rare cases of visible damage obvious to ref (broken leg, bleeding from head wound, etc..). Then, stabilize and remove. All “magic sponge” treatments done off the field with play continuing.
Manager leaving coaching box: First Offence, warning from 4th official. Second Offence, yellow card from 4th official. Third Offence, red card from 4th official, removal from touchline and 1 game touchline ban.
AND THE THING THAT WILL IMPROVE THE GAME THE MOST...
Microphone on the official so EVERYONE can hear the discussions, decisions, and the absolute pricks that some players are!
Rugby has got this one absolutely right and those officials have the respect football could only imagine. However, with that they are also subject to being called up for their own failings. I think it would go far in showing both how hard it is to be an official and the dogs breakfast they are served by some of the pricks that play the game these days.
First bad word thrown at an official, BLUE card. Second one, you’re off! And, if first one is bad enough, then off you go for that! No subsequent game ban for this offence, though.
Any player who receives a cumulative 5 blue cards receives a 1 game ban. 2 red card offenses, 1 game ban.
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The game has moved on so much from when I started watching and playing, we are in desperate need of a revamp to “tidy it up.” We all know what spoils the games and we should be focused on fixing those aspects of it.
Goal line technology has stopped ANYONE from arguing whether it went in or not. VAR should be doing the same for other aspects of the game, but it appears PGMOL is concerned it might show their members in a bad light if they are too transparent.
We all just want a FAIR GAME, and transparency helps create the feeling that you’re getting a fair shake. With world class athletes running full speed, it is impossible for the refs and linesmen to get every decision correct in a split second, so they should receive help from their peers. However, we ALL need to see that process is transparent, otherwise we are still left with doubts.
Football is better than it has ever been. The athleticism, the skill levels, the pace, and the resultant effects of winning and losing have never been greater. We need to upgrade the game to ensure the Laws of the Game keep pace with the product.
Untold trillions of dollars ride on the future spectacle that is football around the world. Positive changes can help nurture and sustain not only the game itself, but the business of football. That is a win-win proposition for all stakeholders.
