# If you could add a rule to a sport . . what would it be? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 6, 2001, 5:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-add-a-rule-to-a-sport-what-would-it-be/48699 "2001-01-06T05:32:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![JosephFinn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/3bc359/32.png) [@JosephFinn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JosephFinn)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2001, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-add-a-rule-to-a-sport-what-would-it-be/48699/61 "2001-02-06T17:32:20Z")
Alright, some suggestions for baseball: 1. Banning designated hitters. Sorry, Frank Thomas. Sorry, Harold Baines. It doesn’t add to the game and is unfair to the National League…hmmm…wait a second…okay, I guess that can stay. 2. Banning artificial turf. If you can’t hire a decent groundskeeper, tough. You don’t see Chicago using this crap, do you? 3. Managers shall henceforth wear suits, or long-sleeved shirts, or sweaters (think the Ditka look). This bugs me every time I see someone like Tommy Lasorda run out to the mound (yes, I know he’s retired - I’m mkaing a point). They’d look so much more freaking respectable in non-players clothing. C’mon! Phil Jackson doesn’t wear shorts. Who’s with me? 4. Automatic 3-game suspension for fighting (next start suspension for pitchers). Fighting got out of hand last year, though the Dodgers-Cubs incident was the fault of a jackass fan. Hell, if hockey can cut down on it, why not baseball? 5. Profit sharing and salary caps. Yeah, I know it’s a pipe dream, but look how well it works for football. Hell, Baltimore wins? That’s parity for you. Yes, I know there are other reasons for parity in the NFL, but the major difference between baseball and the rest of the majors is a lack of revenue sharing. ---
**Author:** ![JosephFinn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/3bc359/32.png) [@JosephFinn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JosephFinn)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2001, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-add-a-rule-to-a-sport-what-would-it-be/48699/62 "2001-02-06T17:37:40Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Hodge \* > \*\*I want to see NHL hockey played on International sized rinks. Oh, and eliminate the last six expansion teams (enough already!!). > > Cheers, > Hodge > \*\* That, and switch the conference names back to the proper designations. A part of hockey died when they abandoned Campbell (Norris and Smythe) and Wales (Patrick and Adams). ---
**Author:** ![zev\_steinhardt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/97f17d/32.png) [@zev\_steinhardt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zev_steinhardt)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2001, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-add-a-rule-to-a-sport-what-would-it-be/48699/63 "2001-02-06T17:54:10Z")
In baseball, a relief pitcher is not charged for a run for any runners on base when he enters the game. He could, therefore, come in with the bases loaded, two out, issue three walks and get one more batter and walk away scot-free. Likewise, the relieved pitcher sees his ERA go up for actions he didn’t commit. This needs to be changed. Zev’s rule for determining runs charged to pitchers: A pitcher is charged 1/4 of a run for each base he allows for any runner that scores. Therefore: Jones relieves Smith with a runner on first and allows the runner to score. RULING: Charge Smith with 1/4 run and Jones with 3/4 run. Jones relieves Smith with a runner on third. RULING: Charge Jones with 1/4 run, Smith with 3/4 run. Jones relieves Smith with a runner on first, allows the runner to reach third. Davis relieves Jones and allows the runner to score. RULING: Charge Smith with 1/4 run, Jones with 1/2 run, Davis with 1/4 run. If the run in question is the decisive run in determing a loss, give the loss to the pitcher who was charged with most of the run. If two pitchers equally share responsibility for a run, award the loss to the pitcher who put the runner on base. Zev Steinhardt ---
**Author:** ![DarkJudicator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/da6949/32.png) [@DarkJudicator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DarkJudicator)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2001, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-add-a-rule-to-a-sport-what-would-it-be/48699/64 "2001-02-06T18:43:54Z")
**Golf:** Shot clock, NBA-style. Maybe have it set for two minutes, to add some sense of pressure to the game. And in the same vein as one of **jr8** ’s suggestions about basketball, any player currently under an endorsement contract adds a stroke to his handicap for every million in the contract. This gives the rest of the universe half a chance against Tiger Woods. 😛 **Cricket:** Ummmm… I don’t know what to say. Anything to liven it up a bit. Cheerleaders perhaps? ---
**Author:** ![poohpah\_chalupa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/91b2a8/32.png) [@poohpah\_chalupa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/poohpah_chalupa)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2001, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-add-a-rule-to-a-sport-what-would-it-be/48699/65 "2001-02-06T19:28:41Z")
I was going to say something about the fact that I totally agree with **DKW** about eliminating the no two-line pass rule in hockey (yeah, open up the game, fer cry-eye!), but then **Byz** had to go and remind me why she is the most awesome poster on these boards. Sweetie, I really have _no idea_ what you’re talking about, but I _love_ how you’ve said it. 😃 as always, your obedient lotion boy, poohpah ---
**Author:** ![JamesCarroll](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5daacb/32.png) [@JamesCarroll](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JamesCarroll)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2001, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-add-a-rule-to-a-sport-what-would-it-be/48699/66 "2001-02-06T22:54:02Z")
Baseball: 1. DH in both leauges, but player must have at least 8 years experience. Pitchers are a joke, and while Eddie Murray and others may not be able to hack it in the field anymore, I think they can contribute alot to the Game at the plate. They tend to be some of our most popular athletes, why drive them (and their fans) away? 2. Collisions at home plate (or any base) where the runner makes no attempt to slide results in the runner being out. I don’t care if the catcher is blocking the plate, he looking the other way and you’re running full steam. 3. Raise the mound. Thicker bat handles. 4. No using artificial objects (ie the outfield wall) during a play. In particular I’m thinking of outfielders who run up the fence to get fly balls. These would be homers. 5. No artificial turf. 6. Expansion teams to be given to large markets to divide them up. What’s the point of putting more teams in cities that can’t support them. I say the next expansion team should be the Brooklyn Dodgers. Screw LA the probably won’t even miss them, and it would put a hurt on GS. 7.Equipment worn at bat must also be worn in the field. Exceptions: the catcher, batting glove on throwing hand. 1. Bob Costas, Commisioner. A traditionalist, but with an understanding that baseball can not survive in a vacuum. Pro Basketball: 2. Either eliminate the basket and just give these guys 2 points for running all the way down the court, or raise the rim to 3 feet above the combined height and arm span (that is, his vertical reach) of the tallest player in the league. 3. Traveling will be a technical foul. 4. Dennis Rodman, Commisioner. Hell, you hafta admit it would be interesting… ---
**Author:** ![PlanMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/2bfe46/32.png) [@PlanMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PlanMan)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2001, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-add-a-rule-to-a-sport-what-would-it-be/48699/67 "2001-02-07T02:29:56Z")
First, I think the XFL punt rule is that after 25 yards it is a free ball. Great rule. NFL - no more sudden death overtime where the first team to touch the ball scores and wins, each team should get at least one possession. Could go either way on whether this is by a kick-off or placing the ball on some yard line. Golf - the players who lead on each of the first three days (of a typical four day) tournament should get some of the prize money. After all, they were the best golfer that day. Granted, especially on the first day or two, several golfers may have to share the daily prize. Earlier suggestions to increase soccer scoring, decrease hockey fighting, and speed up baseball, all get a big YEA! ---
**Author:** ![Vinnie\_Virginslayer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/53a042/32.png) [@Vinnie\_Virginslayer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vinnie_Virginslayer)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2001, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-add-a-rule-to-a-sport-what-would-it-be/48699/68 "2001-02-07T05:17:23Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Snooooopy \* > \*\*NFL Europe has field goals worth four points if they’re over 50 yards. That seems like an innovation worth exploring in the NFL. \*\* Actually. my next rule suggestion would be in the OPPOSITE direction, Snoop Dogg: Make field goals worth only 2 points. This will encourage teams to go for the touchdown more often. Field goals are wimpy. Field goals suck. As a matter of fact, if I had my way, I would just make touchdowns count as 1 point and get rid of the kicking part of the game once and for all (Las Vegas wouldn’t like it, though!). The XFL’s Live Ball on a 25-yard punt has some possibilities. I saw Los Angelese try a quick kick on third down, then recover the ball. Unfortunately, L.A. was penalized since players cannot leave the line of scrimmage until the ball has been kicked, but what an exciting play! Also: NO KNEEL DOWNS IN FOOTBALL when the score is 7 points or less with less than a minute to play! I’m not sure how you can enforce this, but I guess you tell a team that if they intentionally tank the play, or throw away a pass, the other team is guaranteed one down for each time they do it even if the clock expires. ---
**Author:** ![Pergau](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7c8e57/32.png) [@Pergau](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pergau)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2001, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-add-a-rule-to-a-sport-what-would-it-be/48699/69 "2001-02-07T13:35:14Z")
Two rules to solve everything: All sports can only be played in the dead of night and can only be shown LIVE on tv - no re-runs or results or showing foreign sports to get around the tv rule. F1 racing, being an art form is exempt from this. the title “world series” can only be used if it is actually a “World” series. eg Baseball will now have an American Regional Final. ---
**Author:** ![RoboDude](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bbe5ce/32.png) [@RoboDude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RoboDude)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2001, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-add-a-rule-to-a-sport-what-would-it-be/48699/70 "2001-02-08T01:13:36Z")
All sports - Legalize drugs. Not just ones associated with improving athletic performance, ALL OF THEM. Let the players use and abuse whatever they want, whenever they want. Auto racing - Eliminate the rules pertaining to car design. Let people drive whatever they want as long as it’s under a certain size. Any sport played on a grass or grass-like field: Scatter caltrops (painted green) around the field. ---
**Author:** ![Duke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e8c25b/32.png) [@Duke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duke)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2001, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-add-a-rule-to-a-sport-what-would-it-be/48699/71 "2001-02-08T04:36:37Z")
I think the XFL missed a trick with their change to the PAT rule. Getting rid of the kick is a good idea, but, like the old video game _Cyberball 2071_, they should have awarded one point for a successful pass, two for a run. Give the coach something to think about when a touchdown is scored with his team down by seven in the last minute. ---
**Author:** ![flikker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8baadc/32.png) [@flikker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flikker)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2001, 12:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-add-a-rule-to-a-sport-what-would-it-be/48699/72 "2001-02-08T12:17:58Z")
I think all sports should be played nekkid 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Smitty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e274bd/32.png) [@Smitty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smitty)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2001, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-add-a-rule-to-a-sport-what-would-it-be/48699/73 "2001-02-08T22:12:05Z")
Basketball: 1. Eliminate the 3 point shot. Players today can’t shot worth a damn. Eliminate the incentive to jack it from downtown. 2. Allow zone defense. This will prevent the isolation offense where one man handles the ball and the others stand around watching. ---
**Author:** ![Smitty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e274bd/32.png) [@Smitty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smitty)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2001, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-add-a-rule-to-a-sport-what-would-it-be/48699/74 "2001-02-08T22:12:23Z")
Basketball: 1. Eliminate the 3 point shot. Players today can’t shoot worth a damn. Eliminate the incentive to jack it from downtown. 2. Allow zone defense. This will prevent the isolation offense where one man handles the ball and the others stand around watching. ---
**Author:** ![PlanMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/2bfe46/32.png) [@PlanMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PlanMan)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2001, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-add-a-rule-to-a-sport-what-would-it-be/48699/75 "2001-02-09T22:01:10Z")
Auto Racing - in honor of Daytona Speedweeks No race can end under a yellow (caution) flag, if a yellow takes place in the last, say, 10 laps, when the race restarts, there will be 10 laps to go. Seems that with races ending on yellow, it might be a good - but unethical, or illegal - strategy on the last lap for Newbie member of the “Fast” racing team cause a yellow (spin out or something) while the Star member of the Fast team is leading. Yes, I know, it might cause a bad wreck, but if Mr. Newbie racer is good, and careful, he could pull it off. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Ps\_and\_Qs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/6de8d8/32.png) [@Mr.Ps\_and\_Qs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Ps_and_Qs)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2001, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-add-a-rule-to-a-sport-what-would-it-be/48699/76 "2001-02-19T00:08:55Z")
I’d add “sudden death” to baseball. Plus an 11th-inning tie rule. They shouldn’t go on forever! ---
**Author:** ![zev\_steinhardt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/97f17d/32.png) [@zev\_steinhardt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zev_steinhardt)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2001, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-add-a-rule-to-a-sport-what-would-it-be/48699/77 "2001-02-19T17:30:34Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Mr. Ps and Qs \* > \*\*I’d add “sudden death” to baseball. Plus an 11th-inning tie rule. They shouldn’t go on forever! \*\* No way! One thing I like about baseball is that (unlike hockey) there’s going to be a winner. [sub] Yes, I know it is possible to have a tie game in baseball, but that usually occurs under unusual circumstances (rain, power failure, etc.) Absent any of that, a tie game cannot happen in baseball. [/sub] Zev Steinhardt [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-add-a-rule-to-a-sport-what-would-it-be/48699.md?page=3)