SOCCER.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 31 July 1926, Page 12

SOCCER.

THE PENALTY AREA. C

DRASTIC CHANGE PROPOSED I

During the last quarter of a century alterations to the laws of the Association game have been comparatively negligiMe, writes “Sirocco’ in the SydJiey Sun. The enactment of the law providing alterations to the off-side rule is the most drastic, and is. favourably. commented upon by expert critics. . The amendment providing f-or scoring direct from a. corner-kick, and the alteration to the throw-in rule, are- also recent introductions.

Now comes along a proposal from the Scottish Association to abolish the penalty area, and the penalty kick. The present rule provides that “lines shall be marked eighteen yards from each goal-post, at right angles to the goal-lines, for a distance- of eighteen yards, and these shall be connected with each other by a line parallel to the goal-lines; the space- within these lines shall be the penalty area. A suitable mark shall be made opposite the- centre of each gbal, twelve yards from the goal-line; this shall be the penalty kick mark.” The proposal to be submitted to the International Board provides for the extension *of the present area from eighteen to thirty yards, drawing the line across the field, and for every serious infringement in that area to allow a- pot-shot at goal from the spot where the infringement occurred, with only the goalkeeper to defeat.

As an alternative, it is suggested that the present line penalty area- be extended from eighteen to thirty yards from the goal, and that the procedure indicated in the original proposal be -applied. The- argument adduced in support of the far-reaching alteration, s-avs: the Sun

is that penalty kicks awarded at present for infringements in positions from which it would have been impossible for the attacking side to score. The sponsors of the proposed new rule will need to advance more solid argument to accomplish such a drastic alteration. No punishment can he too severe for foul play within the- danger zone, where the defending side already re ceives the benefit of the doubt. In Sydney games the awarding of a pen alty kick is not of frequent occurrence for ftJul play. Generally speaking the penalty kick is awarded for an impetuous breach of handling against an over-anxious full-back. Happily, foul play, such as wilfully tripping or hacking an opponent is a rare occurrecenc in Sydney matches. At present, no matter in what portion of the penalty area the offence occurs, the kick is taken from the fatal spot —12 yards from the goal-line, and only the kicker and goalkeeper,- who shall not advance beyond his goal-line, are allowed within the penalty area. Furthermore, no player shall take up a position less than 10 yards from where the kick is being taken. It is right that the rule should be as rigid and uncompromising as at present, for no latitude should be extended to a defender who commits a. breach in the protected area, for he obviously does so to protect his goal. Local opinion is against the introduction of such a revolutionary change. It would certainly operate to the detriment of the game.