Rule changes Soccer needs to make

If you pay attention to European soccer, you've undoubtedly noticed the dominance of FC Barcelona this year. Four times, in a period of just over two weeks, they played rival Real Madrid in a display of elite soccer. For the most part, these games were phenomenal. However, for all the positives these games offered, it was a few of the negatives that stuck out the most.

Whining, stalling, complaining, diving, botched calls and poor cards, prompted me to propose a few rule changes FIFA (soccer's governing body) needs to implement to improve the game and increase its' appeal to non-soccer zealots around the world. In addition to a few ideas which have been floating around for a while, I offer several new ideas which, if properly implemented, will improve the flow of games, decrease fan violence, and increase the integrity of the product on the field.

With that in mind, I offer the following 5 suggestions. I realize not all of these suggestions are realistic, but sometimes it's a little more fun to think outside of the box...

1) PENALIZE FLOPPING, DIVING, WHINING, STALLING, ETC.

Not only is it annoying, but it slows the game down, ruins game flow and incites violence in the stands. It's been part of the game for decades, but there is a simple solution to all but eliminate the drama in less than six months. I propose a system of post-game reviews in which players are warned and ultimately penalized for flopping, diving, etc. FIFA would review each game and decide which players consistently tried to manipulate the referee and rules. If a player is guilty, FIFA penalizes him using a point system; accrue enough points and the player builds to a yellow card, red car or suspension. 

Implement the point system and players will quickly adjust their behavior because they won't want to lose time on the field. Do this, and player dramatics will decrease, game flow will improve, as will the viewing experience, and fan violence will decrease. Having attended several European matches, nothing gets fans angrier than an opposing player who fakes an injury. Eliminate faking injuries, and you will decrease the number of violent occurrences in the stands.

2) AWARD POST-MATCH YELLOW AND RED CARDS

FIFA already rescinds cards if a post-match review reveals a card was not warranted. Lets take it a step further and give cards when a call was missed. Refs do a great job, for the most part, but there is a lot of ground to cover, so lets give them some post-match help. 

Like the first suggestion on this list, post-match reviews will force players to be more careful and will immediately improve player behavior. If FIFA begins suspending players and carding them after matches, players would adjust their behavior in less than six months and soccer would become more enjoyable to watch.  

    *MORAL NOTE: Soccer would be a sport of much higher integrity, instead of an example of what we tell our kids NOT to do.

3) GOAL LINE TECHNOLOGY

This is the biggest no-brainer in the history of sports. Stadiums are filled with HD cameras at virtually every angle. To not take advantage of modern technology is absurd. Scoring in soccer is more rare than in any other sport, so lets get it right. Getting this going is easy. Hire an official to review every goal scored, as well as any goal that is even close. 

We've all watched games and see the reviews in less than five seconds. When a goal is in question, the referee simply clicks on an ear piece and the review official tells him whether a goal was scored or not. It's quick, easy, and ensures complete accuracy. Problem solved.

4) RED FLAG CHALLENGES

Along the lines of using modern technology, allow coaches to use one red flag a game. Red flags can be used to challenge disputed goals, yellow or red cards, or missed calls by referees such as punches, elbows and hand balls. Again, referees do a good job, but there are 22 players on the field at once and it's hard to keep an eye on all of them in such a large space. 

While awarding post-match cards and suspensions, as mentioned above, will help, getting it right in the game is just as important. Allow coaches to throw the red flag, stop the game, and lets get the calls right, expose dirty and cheating players, and penalize them.

5) CHANGE THE WAY PENALTY KICKS ARE AWARDED

Penalty kicks are converted way too frequently to hand them out for penalties where a player was not in a clear scoring position. For example, a player is near the goal line on the edge of the penalty box, he gets his feet clipped and a penalty is awarded. Was this player going to score? No. He may have been in a good position to cross the ball to a teammate who may have scored, but that is a scenario filled with too much doubt to award a penalty kick which will almost certainly lead to a goal.

I propose a change to a two-type system. Type 1, award a PK from the regular spot on all plays where a player is fouled in a clear goal scoring position. Type 2, award a PK from three yards back for penalties in the box, but when the player was not in a clear goal scoring position. Again, goals are too rare to give a freebies that are not deserved.

Soccer is wildly popular around the world and in no way struggling for fans. However, all successful leagues and sports are constantly looking for areas to improve and ways to bring in new fans. I can't speak for the rest of the world, but these changes would increase viewership in the United States, which would be a huge addition for the sport of soccer.

FIFA has the power to make these changes happen and improve what is already a beautiful game. The question is whether or not they are even open to these types of proposals.

Anybody have FIFA on their speed dial?