New Blue line in MLS

[Alberto]

I thought it weird when I first saw it in a Brasilian league match maybe a year ago on FSW, but based on the lack of control by most referees of the wall, it can't hurt. The referee carried the can on a small holster on his waist and yes, it did disappear after a few minutes.

Other than the idea and the fun we've all had with R2D2 and C3PO (Ty and Jack) I'm opening up a thread on what was most distressing about last night's game. Loss of control.

[DAKCrew]

Originally posted by Mike Segroves


It's only hazardous if you put it in your mouth.


I'm sure that you've heard that before.

If the refs lose control of a game now all they have to do is start huffing on the can and get high. All their problems will go away :)

[Andyrey]

Originally posted by FootyMundo
No one cares what you "buy
I am sorry, I thought that the idea behind these forums was to discuss issues. If 'no one cares' about what I say, then I guess that I will stop posting.

[IASocFan]

Andy, I think you concentrated on Footy's opening and not the meat of his post.

YES, we as referees do have problems with encroachment. The older and more experienced the players, the more they realize that a fast restart can be dangerous to their defensive efforts. Hence, the delaying and encroaching tactics. Brasil and others have been experimenting with foam spray. Others may follow. Flashing Yellow is one way to manage it, but can lead to a small sided game. :) MLS and other leagues have a product to sell; sending off and suspending stars is not going to sell the product, so the MLS officials have a tough line to follow.

[Wizardscharter]

Originally posted by Pegasus
He puts the ball down and walks off the yardage. He then sprays a small 6"-1' line and the theatrics are cut way down. It goes very fast and speeds the game up as the ref doesn't have to keep moving the wall back over and over. I'm for it. I'm tired of having to watch refs and players waste time because defenders don't give 10.

[dmets]

Jack's idea was always a bean bag. I think the Bean Bag is a decent idea. But spray paint is over the top.

[IASocFan]

Originally posted by dmets
Jack's idea was always a bean bag. I think the Bean Bag is a decent idea. But spray paint is over the top.

Spray foam you can see, then it disappears. How big does a bean bag do you need for the ref to see it from 20-30 yards away, and are we leaving bean bags all over the field, or is the ref supposed to go pick it up after the kick, or do have beanbag boys to scamper onto the field to pick up beanbags - like tennis ball boys. I see no reasonable solution for the beanbag.

[Northside Rovers]

It's a fine idea.

A can of chalk dust or talcum powder would work fine also.

They should have done this years ago.

[spejic]

> I do not buy that players need another physical
> object to respect the 10 yards

They do. It is simple human nature. Without a firm guide, they will always try to sneak a little. It is the same thing with free kicks - players always "reporient" the ball, bring it closer to the goal. Why do you think the goalie box or the out-of-bounds lines are marked?

I think it is a great idea. I am always for inovation. Now we just need a public clock to stop the antics of the type commited by Byron Moreno recently.

[Sachin]

Can the ref spray divers?

Make them wear a blue mark of shame?

Sachin

[Andyrey]

I still think that giving the referee the ability to make it 15 yards will solve most if not all of the wall problems, provided it is used by all referees.

You go to the 10 yards. If they do not come quickly to where you are, just move another 5 yards. If they come quickly and then start creeping forward, stop the kick and move them another 5 yards. It will be a little disruptive the first couple of games where the players will start to argue, but if it is done consistently, they will learn that we mean business and will behave on the 10 yards. Today, they know that most referees will not pull out the plastic in minor encroachment violations, but with I believe most referees will not hesitate to use the extra 5 yards to manage the wall. The players will realize that they can not get away with stuff they got away with before and behave.

Footy, I am sorry I overreacted on your post.

[Elizabeth]

Originally posted by FootyMundo
Yeah, real stupid. They do it in Brazil and it will likely be adopted in various European leagues soon as well. It is a terrific idea. The game doesn't need the constant moving wall to hold down scoring even further.

wouldn't the football teams in America get all confused thus fumble or throw helments at inappropriate times?

[Claymore]

I hope this would only be at the pro level. The last thing I want to deal with in a youth match is a group of parents or a coach demanding a ten yard walk-off and spray every time I blow the whistle. I already have to deal with half-wits counting off seconds every time the goalie handles the ball - ONE TWO THREE FOUR FIVE SIX...

On second thought, I don't even want this at the pro level. Next thing you know, we'll have a crew on the sidelines with a ten yard chain who have to come out on the field every time a foul is called. And then we'll have five officials, and yellow flags, and microphones.... :D

[Elizabeth]

Originally posted by Claymore
I hope this would only be at the pro level. The last thing I want to deal with in a youth match is a group of parents or a coach demanding a ten yard walk-off and spray every time I blow the whistle. I already have to deal with half-wits counting off seconds every time the goalie handles the ball - ONE TWO THREE FOUR FIVE SIX...

do you get the ones that scream.."too many steps!! Only allowed three!!!"?

Is that even a rule in youth or anywhere? can't stand youth games..."KICKI IT....KICK IT!!! poor kids. No wonder they're all on medication.

[CrewToon]

Screw the blue line, cans of spray paint, etc.


I thought that the Premiership was enforcing the 10-yard rule (and penalty) that was started a couple of years ago in the lower levels.

The rule is this: If the defending team doesn't retreat the necessary 10 yards that the referee marks off, the team is penalized.

The penalty: the free kick is moved up 10 yards.

A simple but ingenious way of handling this problem, don't you think?

Frankly, I think MLS should adopt this rule next season. I would not be surprised if FIFA eventually adopts this form of penalty.

[FlashMan]

The white spray can paint line works great in Brazil. He circles where teh ball is and then where the wall is, and there's no argument.

Works like a charm. I've always wondered (ever since I saw it for the first time last year) why other leagues don't adopt it.

[MPJ334]

Originally posted by Sachin
Can the ref spray divers?

Make them wear a blue mark of shame?

Sachin
or a big red F for "Faker," C for "Cheater," or D for "Diving."

(background: Pre-AP Eng 10 requires the reading of Hawthorne's The Scarlett Letter)

[RushOnze]

funny that this comment comes from the same network that cant even get us a decent replay. What happened to the 10 yard line and distance from the goal graphics they were going to provide.
pathetic

[lanman]

I can actually see the reasoning behind this - giving a set mark a player can have no argument if he is booked for being over it. I know players should be able to follow the referees instructions, but how often do you see everyone hold their line whilst the referee is nearby then edge forward as he moves away? If the rules were enforced in full, then it would not surprise me to see at least one player sent off every match.
I would prefer to see yellow cards remain only for players who charge the ball before play has resumed, but for simply refusing to retreat the distance indicated by the referee the attacking team would be allowed to move the ball anywhere within 10 yards, not simply in a line towards the goal (this would enable the team to move wide free-kicks into a much more dangerous central position). If this would result in the ball entering the penalty area, then a penalty would be awarded. This would instantly reduce encroachment around the box.

[kevbrunton]

Originally posted by CrewToon
I thought that the Premiership was enforcing the 10-yard rule (and penalty) that was started a couple of years ago in the lower levels.

The rule is this: If the defending team doesn't retreat the necessary 10 yards that the referee marks off, the team is penalized.

The penalty: the free kick is moved up 10 yards.

A simple but ingenious way of handling this problem, don't you think?
This was experimented with, but I don't think they're doing it any more. They had the problem that at certain points on the field, it's actually a detriment to move 10 yards closer for the free kick and it wasn't optional. If the team encroached, the kick got moved forward.


Personally, I like the spray foam that the Brazil league uses. It seems to work very well for them.