Post by paulc222 on May 13, 2021 14:52:36 GMT
After decades with no significant changes, the game has seen a number of alterations in the laws/rules in the past 25 - 30 years. Some didn't stick, but others did, and they have mostly improved the game in my view. Rules that didn't stick around were the 4-step and later, the 6-second rule for goalkeepers. We even tried advancing free kicks by 10 yards if there was dissent. The golden goal system was introduced, then removed, from extra time (it made teams too defensive).
Others have stuck: the book turned into a couple of cards. Goalkeepers were allowed to move around on the line at penalties. Time wasting tactics were more strictly penalised by adding on time. Picking up backpasses was penalised etc.
Sure, it is a sport that can sometimes be unsafe. Players accept that a mistimed tackle can break a leg and that ligaments can be damaged. Hernias can occur and the occasional rib gets broken.
But head injuries often don't become apparent till later in life. Now we've reached a point where players long-term health is known to be at risk through heading the ball - the chances of getting dementia and other brain issues is much higher for a footballer than a non-footballer. Yes, I know top players earn very well, but there are some things worth far more than money.
I suppose the authorities could sit back and do nothing.
Is it time to consider changing the laws of the game about heading?
I can't see players wearing crash helmets like American football, nor can I see heading being banned.
Maybe only heading inside penalty areas (except goalkeepers).
Or, heading outside penalty areas only allowed after one bounce.
Something else?
Yes, I know it sounds crazy now, but the evidence seems to be mounting that heading causes long-term harm, and doing nothing may no longer be an option in the coming years.
Others have stuck: the book turned into a couple of cards. Goalkeepers were allowed to move around on the line at penalties. Time wasting tactics were more strictly penalised by adding on time. Picking up backpasses was penalised etc.
Sure, it is a sport that can sometimes be unsafe. Players accept that a mistimed tackle can break a leg and that ligaments can be damaged. Hernias can occur and the occasional rib gets broken.
But head injuries often don't become apparent till later in life. Now we've reached a point where players long-term health is known to be at risk through heading the ball - the chances of getting dementia and other brain issues is much higher for a footballer than a non-footballer. Yes, I know top players earn very well, but there are some things worth far more than money.
I suppose the authorities could sit back and do nothing.
Is it time to consider changing the laws of the game about heading?
I can't see players wearing crash helmets like American football, nor can I see heading being banned.
Maybe only heading inside penalty areas (except goalkeepers).
Or, heading outside penalty areas only allowed after one bounce.
Something else?
Yes, I know it sounds crazy now, but the evidence seems to be mounting that heading causes long-term harm, and doing nothing may no longer be an option in the coming years.
