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How do the
ADG Laws Work?
Why use the 32 yard ADG mark?
ADG was originally conceived with the attacker kicking off from the centre mark. This was to ensure that ADG wouldn’t require any extra markings on the field.
However, expert feedback suggested that kicking off from the centre mark would present too significant a challenge for the attacker. The result being that less than 15% of contests would likely result in a goal.
For ADG to be effective as a tiebreaker, a scoring rate of 20% is required. This rate removes the expectation the attacker will always score, and ensures that if ADG enters sudden death, the duration of the match won’t be unduly prolonged.
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 free kick 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 does a team determine their attackers and defenders?
These decisions will obviously lie with the team’s manager. At the end of normal play the manager will consult with his team and determine his five attackers and the order in which they will compete.
As for the defenders, it’s a case of anticipating who the opposition’s attackers will be and selecting players to defend against them. Modern football has brought the manager centre stage and this is a great opportunity for them to utilise their knowledge and tactical skills to influence the outcome of the match.
For instance, in the 2006 FIFA World Cup final hypothetical, the French manager assumes Del Piero will be one of Italy’s attackers, and instructs Sagnol to defend against him.
If all fouls receives a penalty kick, won't there be too many penalties and yellow and red cards?
The rate for converting penalties during normal play is about 80%, which is even higher than during the shootout. While ADG’s scoring rate is estimated at 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.
