On Oct 9 , at 12:31 PM, [email protected] wrote:
Metricating US football would weaken the offense, particularly the
rush, and strengthen the defense - the offensive team would have to
go about 10% farther to get first down. However, since teams have
both an offense and defense, most would be equally affected. The
likely result would be somewhat lower scoring.
There are many ways in which details of the game of American football
could be adjusted to convert to metric measurements and still avoid
drastic changes in the way the game is played.
The first and main argument that always arises involves the rule-
mandated use of yards to determine whether a team may continue trying
to move the ball forward or whether they have to relinquish control to
the other team. That's referred to as "making a first down". That rule
sets the distance at 10 yards. They are allowed 4 attempts ("downs")
to do this.
One could argue that it is a small change and would affect both
teams equally so no changes in the rules would be necessary. However,
if a rule change is deemed necessary, there are numerous possibilities.
One could modify the field the field to be 45 m instead of 50 m,
thus compensating for the longer distance needed to make a first down
by making the total distance less for making a score.
One could change the rule to allow a first down to be gained by
advancing only 9 m instead of 10.
One could change the rule so that it allows 5 downs instead of 4.
The interesting thing (to me) about this is, not that it is difficult
to change to metres without destroying key elements of the game, but
that it is so easy to come up with so many solutions to the so-called
problem.
Metricating football in America would be:
1. a tough sell, admittedly,
2. a perfectly reasonable and easy thing to do,
3. one of the most effective ways to help Americns learn the metric
system and adjust to it in everyday life.
Regards,
Bill Hooper
Please note my new gmail address:
[email protected]
(Old address will work OK temporarily.)
