Sports, like anything else, evolves over time. Usually for the better, though not always… NFL I’m lookin’ at you with your anal retentive nanny rules that have virtually ruined the game. But there are some rules that simply defy rational explanation, and that need to be changed. What are they you ask? Well, I’m glad you asked, because here they are..
Baseball
Batters are allowed to “steal” first base if they strike out and the catcher drops the ball. Why? You either let a good pitch sail by, or you swung at a bad pitch, you don’t deserve a second chance. You struck out, go sit the eff down!
Football
The ground can’t cause a fumble. Why not? We have here some of the strongest and most gifted athletes imaginable, and we can’t hold onto the ball? Really? Seriously? You’re a man, football’s supposed to be a man’s game, hold onto the damn ball.
Soccer
Offside. This one can’t even be explained by commentary. An official explanation is required. According to the Orlando City Soccer Club, offside is explained thusly…
According to the FIFA rulebook, a player is in an offside position if:
- He is nearer to his opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the second last opponent.
- A violation will occur when he is in an offside position (previous bullet point) at the same time the ball is being passed forward to him.
A player is NOT in an offside position if:
- He is in his own half of the field of play.
- No part of the attacking player (head, body, or feet) is closer to the opponents goal than the final defender (not including the goalkeeper) .
- He is receiving the ball from a throw-in.
Got all that? Simple. 😐 No, it’s not, and contrary to the link it’s not easier to see than read. A casual fan has no clue what or when offside is happening, and there’s a good reason for that… it’s dumb.
My solution is really quite simple: Teach the defense to play defense. If they don’t defend properly, they deserve to have a goal scored against them.