Soccer rules are always the topic of controversy.
Not everyone likes the rules. However, they must be followed. Like any sport, soccer rules can be flawed. Some can confuse people.
Over time, the rules of the game have changed. For instance, in 1992, the back-pass rule was introduced and prevented goalkeepers from handling the ball with their hands after a teammate passed it to them.
In 2018, the video-assisted referee was introduced to help referees with their calls. It has had mixed results from fans and pundits.
So here are five soccer rules that should be changed or tweaked a little. Remember, this is just like, my opinion man.
You are free to agree, disagree or propose your own soccer rule changes in the comments or on Twitter.
#1: The offside rule should be cancelled in the 18-yard-box
If you have listened to the Terminal City FC podcast since its inception in October of 2021, you know how vocal I have been about this.
It is ridiculous that goals have been disallowed because a player was offside inside the 18-yard box. There have been times when a player has been called offside on a corner kick, which is even more ridiculous.
A player is offside if any part of the head, body or feet is in the opponent’s half (excluding the halfway line) and any part of the head, body or feet is nearer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent. (Which is usually the last centre-back.)
I propose that once the ball enters the box, the offside cancels out. That also means once a corner kick or free kick from just outside the box is taken, offside cancels out. There would be more goals and more emphasis on defending.
#2: No rebounds after a missed penalty
In penalty shootouts, if the shot is saved, there are no rebounds allowed. However during normal time, if the goalkeeper’s shot is saved, the penalty taker can try and score on the rebound.
It just feels unfair, especially to the goalkeeper. Goalkeepers would be desperately flailing around to stop the rebound while the defenders try to rush to his or her aid. More often than not, the rebound is scored.
If the goalkeeper makes the save on a penalty, there should be no rebounds. What should happen next is a goal-kick. It just feels cheap for rebounds on penalties to be allowed, especially since they aren’t allowed in penalty shootouts.
#3: Golden Goal Rule in Extra Time
When a match goes into extra time, a team can score the winner but the two halves of extra time have to be over. Sometimes, the team that is down ties the game up.
Sure, that makes the games more intense or exciting. But would it be even better if the first goal in extra time wins the game? There would be more pressure on every player and their managers. It would just be like in the schoolyard: last goal wins. It would also be just like in hockey, minus the sudden death part.
Believe it or not, the “Golden Goal” rule did exist. It was first implemented in 1993 and abolished after Euro 2004. Many players, coaches and fans did not like it.
However, I feel like the Golden Goal rule would make things interesting. Some teams in extra time just play for penalties. The Golden Goal rule would add more drama to extra time and one goal makes it sweeter for the victors and more heartbreaking for the losers.
Let’s bring this back.
#4: Referees must announce and explain VAR decisions
MLS already does this but it would be best if the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League and leagues and competitions around the world do the same.
It adds more transparency when officials announce the VAR ruling. Other sports do this so why can’t soccer? As we see in MLS, the referee does a quick explanation of his decision after looking at VAR. Sure, the explanation doesn’t say much and the decision is often hated, but it is good to hear some reasoning.
It’s time for other leagues to follow suit.
#5: Handball clarity
Out of all the soccer rules, the handball rule is the one that gets people talking.
In hockey, it’s what’s goaltender interference, in football, it’s what’s a catch and in soccer, it’s what’s a handball?
The handball rule is used if a player deliberately touches the ball with their hand or arm – usually by moving their hand or arm towards the ball, according to the IFAB (International Football Association Board) rules.
The rule also states that a player is penalized for a handball by trying to make their body bigger. That is often called an “unnatural position.” For instance, if a player is trying to move out of the way for whatever reason and the ball hits his or her hand, there is a foul.
However, the “unnatural position” makes the handball rule unclear. Players were called for handball when reacting out with their hands trying to break their fall, or when they were just standing still. Sometimes the players are penalized even when their hands are behind their backs.
For instance, there was a controversial call between Valour and Atletico Ottawa in the CPL last weekend. Also, it is quite mind-boggling that the CPL doesn’t have VAR yet.
I’m not sure how, but there needs to be clarity on how the handball works because it lacks consistency.