How about adopting the timekeeping approach in rugby?

[Norwichram]

Wouldn't want to adopt the unintelligible rules but after Saturday's extra time debacle it strikes me that we would have a lot less controversy if we adopted the rugby approach of having a clock counting down to full time. I believe the ref signals when the clock stops for breaks in play so still in control but at least all of us in the ground and elsewhere would be clear what was going on! Any views?

[GangwayD]

Wouldn't want to adopt the unintelligible rules but after Saturday's extra time debacle it strikes me that we would have a lot less controversy if we adopted the rugby approach of having a clock counting down to full time. I believe the ref signals when the clock stops for breaks in play so still in control but at least all of us in the ground and elsewhere would be clear what was going on! Any views?

I think you could have an independent time keeper who finishes the game like they do in Rugby League, but he is fully responsible for breaks etc and can tell the third official how many extra minutes.

I think it would relieve some pressure from referees and maybe focus them more on decision making plus it would stop players asking "how long, how long".

It could also prevent the scenes seen at Villa Park with premature pitch invasions cos some idiots think the final whistle has blown.

It should prevent 'Fergie time' and managers

[yamyamram]

Wouldn't want to adopt the unintelligible rules but after Saturday's extra time debacle it strikes me that we would have a lot less controversy if we adopted the rugby approach of having a clock counting down to full time. I believe the ref signals when the clock stops for breaks in play so still in control but at least all of us in the ground and elsewhere would be clear what was going on! Any views?

Very good idea.I was thinking something similar after Saturdays game.Maybe if everyone was aware of the time the ref was adding on or how long he was stopping the game for by way of a clock visible to all in the stadium all the controversy could be avoided as you say.Something needs to be done because it causes so much trouble as we have seen this weekend unfortunately.

[triz]

I'd hope these ideas could be brought in but it seems to sensible for footy, I mean look how long it's taking to convince the Neanderthals that hawk eye, video evidence, safe standing etc etc is a good idea.

[FindernRam]

I've thought for a long time we should have the clock running only for when the ball is in play. I did some checking a season or so back on televised games and the actual in-play time was on average 55 mins.
The only issue really is that teams could still break up flow by taking an inordinately long time to do anything just to wind up the opposition.
In American football and I think Hockey you have a fixed time to do things and suffer a penalty of some sort if you don't.
It won't happen in my lifetime!

[fingles]

Would it have made any difference on Saturday - No.

[Rob_the_Ram]

I have no problem with the ref being fully in charge of the game including him deciding what time should be added.
For an independent timekeeper to work, there would have to be very strict rules on what constitutes circumstances require the clock to be stopped.
The six second rule for GKs getting the ball to having to release it would have to be strictly adhered to. Would you add time if over six seconds.
Do you stop the clock for a penalty while everyone is pushing and shoving and arguing with the decision instead of playing football?
Do you stop the clock when the ball goes into the leading teams fans and they don't return it?
Now, a referee signals the end of the game by a whistle blow and a gesture to the centre spot. Players should play on until they see this.
What are we going to have to prevent someone other than the referee falsely indicating time up (bell / hooter / siren / whistle). Bad enough when a clown takes a whistle in now.
Does the external timekeepers bell / hooter

[Akwesasne]

Leave things as they are .It's all swings and roundabouts anyway. If a team is chasing a game then it is obvious they want the game to go longer, and if they were defending a lead then sooner the whistle went the better. Just get on with the game and leave it to the Referee.

[AdiSalisbury]

Why would we adopt the ideas of an inferior sport?