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How do the
ADG Laws Work?
ADG Laws
Why use the 32 yard ADG mark?
ADG was originally conceived in 2008 with the attacker kicking off from the centre mark. This was to ensure that the field of play would not require any additional markings.
However, expert feedback suggested that kicking off from the centre mark would present too significant a challenge for the attacker. The end result being that less than 15% of contests would have likely resulted in a goal being scored.
For ADG to be effective as a tiebreaker, a scoring rate of about 20% is required. This rate removes the expectation that a player will always score and consequently eliminates the 60/40 advantage for the team kicking first. Additionally, a scoring rate of at least 20% also ensures that if ADG enters sudden death, the match won’t be excessively prolonged before there’s a winning goal.
Another reason 32 yards was selected is because the apex of the penalty arc is 10 yards from the ADG mark. So, it acts as a marker for the defender’s kick-off position.
The ADG mark also adds variability, with the potential to score directly from kick-off. Fans love a long-range strike and this is another opportunity for them to see spectacular goals.
Why use the 20 second time period?
To avoid any sort of standoff between the attacker and defender. For example, the attacker trying to fake the defender into moving a certain direction. The 20 seconds provides a sense of urgency, but also allows ample time for attackers of all abilities and ages to progress towards goal and attempt a shot.
Where a stadium has a clock visible to spectators, the 20 second countdown could be shown on the clock via a wireless link to the referee’s watch.
What about goals right on 20 seconds?
In the event of a goal on the 20 second mark, the referees can receive an audible beep when the 20 seconds elapse. The assistant with their view along the goal line, is in the best position to adjudicate on exactly when the ball crosses the line.
For major tournaments it would be logical to enhance goal line technology, so it can indicate if the ball crosses the line before the 20 seconds elapse.
How do teams select their attackers and defenders?
If a foul is punished by a penalty kick, won't there be too many penalties and yellow or red cards?
The rate for converting penalties during normal play is about 80%, which is even higher than during the penalty shootout. While ADG’s scoring rate is estimated at only 20%.
So, if the defender commits a foul, it’s three to four times more likely the attacker will score. The defender has to treat the field of play as one big penalty area and be prudent when challenging the attacker for the ball. This will result in a very limited number of penalties and sanctionable offences.
And as per Law 36, a careless DOGSO offence is also not sanctioned.
