The thoughts and experiences of a father, husband, soccer enthusiast, cycling lover. And whatever else I feel like talking about on any particular day.
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Why You Should Hate Soccer
Don't mistake the title of this post for me hating soccer. I love it. I love to watch, play, talk about and generally everything to do with soccer. However, there are some aspects that I find infurriating with the way the game is played these days.
SIMULATION
My first complaint is common among many people, especially those that are casual fans, or not fans at all. It is the simulation (a.k.a. diving, flopping.) When players fake contact and the resulting injury. This is unnecessary and takes away from the game. Sometimes the officials are fooled and will award a free kick. Other times the officials do not take the bait and simply instruct the player rolling on the ground to get up and continue playing. It is at the discretion of the official if a yellow card should be administered for such a simulation. Too often cards are not issued. I am afraid this tactic will only continue and likely get worse.
FREE KICKS
When a free kick is awarded, all opposing team players are to be a minimum of ten yards away from the ball. I have noticed more and more players standing directly in front of the ball not more than ONE yard away. These people have been playing this game nearly their entire life. They know the rules. The reason is to slow the game and prevent a quick free kick from being taken before your team's defense can be set. I would like to FIFA add a consequence of a yellow card for players that institute this unlawful tactic.
VIDEO REPLAY REVIEW
Some purists may disagree with me on this point. In some instances a video replay review should be implemented. With soccer matches often being low scoring affairs, one bad call can adversely impact a team. One of the more recent examples of this would be the peru goal that was allowed against Brazil in the Copa America. It was clear upon review that the goal should have been called back. This goal, the only goal in the match in which Brazil needed a draw to advance, eliminated Brazil from the competition. UEFA may have the next best solution, additional official on the endlines. This puts an extra set of eyes on the game and also in the critical Penalty area. We already have "Goal Line Technology" to determine if a ball completely crosses the goal line, it is time to take the next step and implement video review.
PENALTY KICKS
This last is more of a personal complaint. Penalty kicks are too frequently in favor of the penalty taker. The penalty spot is 12 yards from the goal line. Goalkeepers are only allowed to move side to side along the line. If they move toward the penalty spot before the ball is struck, the officials may order the kick to be retaken. However, penalty takers often vary the run up speed and nearly pause to confuse the keeper. I say the penalty spot should be moved back three yards. Give the penalty taker a slighter chance of missing the goal completely. Also it would give the goalkeeper more time to decide which area of the goal to defend.
Each February I create a mix CD for Gina. It has happened every February since I have met her. This past year she suggested I do an R.E.M. mix. That is like asking me to pick my favorite child, or my favorite type of chocolate. However, I was able to narrow it down to 47 tracks spanning three CD's. The theme was alternate versions. The first track in the pairing (and one triplet) was the original album or single version. The following songs were either a live version, alternate mix, different vocal track or outtake recording. We had the opportunity to listen to all three CD's this past weekend. It was fun to create the compilation and to explain how the alternate versions were different.
Automobiles are becoming increasingly sophisticated each year. Our American society can be a very litigious one. Car manufacturers realize this and in an attempt to keep us safe, and themselves out of the court room, they crowd car instrument panels with warning lights to alert drivers of potential hazards. Below are just a few symbols and what they mean. This is a new feature on a select few cars. When this symbol is illuminated, it is alerting you to the fact that the vehicles Rear Thrusters are engaged. While it should be common sense, a car is no place to play. This is a simple reminder that beachballs should not be tossed about the passenger cabin. Although rare, this is a simple reminder that you are diving one of two conjoined cars. This task is made more difficult when each vehicle has it's own independent power and/or drivetrain. Many cars now have sensors mounted in the rear of the vehicle. They are helpfu...
I make no claims to be grammatically correct at all times. I am subject to typos and errors. However, if you are going to send a mass email about EDUCATION, maybe you should have a couple of people look over a draft before hitting the send button. Below is an email I received today. I will highlight the most obvious errors. Eric – For the last few years, we’ve seen a systematic assault on public education in North Carolina. First, they underfunded and our classrooms and refused to give our best and brightest teachers the pay they deserve. Then they siphoned money away from traditional public schools to unaccountable charter schools, as well as private, religious institutions. Now we’re seeing the next step in their plan: the takeover of public schools by for-profit charter schools. Click here to add your name and urge lawmakers to reject HB 1080, which would allow unaccountable, for-profit charter school operators to take control of traditional public schools. There’s no...
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