The Future of Footie Part II

Ok so I did more thinking about some rule changes that would help footie, again nothing radical but some simple changes that will allow the game to be less dominated by the defenses and allow the offensive creativeness of players to shine.

• Allow teams to have more than 3 substitutes per match, maybe there should be 4 or 5 substitutes per game. Originally teams were not allowed to replace players, then they were allowed one substitute (but only due to injury) and eventually the rule we have today where teams are allowed 3 substitutes in official games. However, I would argue with the packed calendars - league, league cups, FA cups, internationals, and national team - teams need more ability to turn over some of their squad during matches. Teams would be able to bring in more fresh legs during a match ensuring that players a)don't save themselves so they can run for 90 minutes b)the last 20 minutes can see just as much action as any other 20 minutes. Players are asked to play too many games, not sure you can cut that number down due to the associated number - money. So if you cannot play fewer games, allow more players to play!
• Take a lesson from rugby - only the captain or a designated player can speak with the referee. Why would this help the game? While this might not directly lead to more goals what I think it will do is allow the refs (again based on my post from last week I think you need at least two full referees on the pitch) to make calls without the fear of being berated by teams. I think there is no doubt that some referees get intimidated by the fact the entire team might descend on them if they make the "wrong" call. In addition, the rule would speed up the game, rather than having 5 players chase the ref around to berate him the call can be made and enforced. If players other than the captains speak to the ref, you can penalize the team as they do in rugby - accord another 10 yards. Granted field position is not as crucial as it is in rugby, but the difference between a free kick 35 yards out or 25 yards out is huge.
• Make every free kick direct, coupled with moving the wall back another 5 or 10 yards, the free kick will become much more dangerous again. In addition, if every kick is a direct kick, teams might be more cautious at hacking down players anywhere on the park. Make the free kick a real scoring opportunity, while the wall moved back and all kicks being direct will not give you 8-6 games, will allow teams more scoring opportunities. Some may argue that too many goals are scored off set pieces already and not enough from open play, but is that a result from teams being more willing to concede free kicks? While more goals are scored off set pieces, the percentage of set pieces that render goals might have gone down over time. Therefore, make the set piece more dangerous, force teams to defend properly rather than resort to fouling tactics.
  

Again these are not radical changes, but I think taken together you will see improvements in the beautiful game. In the end what is needed is to free up offensive players from what has become the defensive shackles managers have leaned on. Make fouls more costly, allow teams to stay fresher during the game, and allow the rules of the game be better enforced.