# What sports rules do you think could benefit other sports? **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [March 27, 2010, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sports-rules-do-you-think-could-benefit-other-sports/533989 "2010-03-27T03:44:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2010, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sports-rules-do-you-think-could-benefit-other-sports/533989/61 "2010-03-29T17:53:40Z")
And salary floor, too. Hear that, Marlins? ---
**Author:** ![Foma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/77aa72/32.png) [@Foma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Foma)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2010, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sports-rules-do-you-think-could-benefit-other-sports/533989/62 "2010-03-29T17:55:19Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > Then how about a one stepout per AB rule? It would be harder for the umps to blow off. > > But yeah, stand in there and take yer cuts like a man, dammit. I like this idea, but only for the AL. In fact, if I had my way, we’d borrow the XFL-style spectacle for the American League: 1. Keep the DH, but allow it for catchers, too. 2. Make astroturf mandatory for American League stadiums. 3. Lower the mound 4. Push back the fences 5. Allow aluminum bats 6. Allow PHDs (within reason) Lets see how far we can hit the ball. You leave the National League the same, but the American League is an all-out hitter-fest. Purists (like me) get to keep the NL, but we’ve got a arcade-type game to bring in the baseball-is-boring crowd. This started out as thinly veiled sarcasm, but now I kinda wish they’d try it ETA: I seem to like hypens today. Go-Cardinals-Win-The-Central! ---
**Author:** ![MOIDALIZE](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e274bd/32.png) [@MOIDALIZE](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MOIDALIZE)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2010, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sports-rules-do-you-think-could-benefit-other-sports/533989/63 "2010-03-29T18:00:11Z")
Yeah, because a rule put in place nearly 40 years ago makes the AL a wacky free-for-all of slugging. Far better to keep things pure by sending a career .180 hitter to the plate to leave men on base 3 times a game. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2010, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sports-rules-do-you-think-could-benefit-other-sports/533989/64 "2010-03-29T18:00:46Z")
You get to watch the Home Run Derby every year at the All-Star break. Isn’t that enough for you? ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2010, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sports-rules-do-you-think-could-benefit-other-sports/533989/65 "2010-03-29T18:02:29Z")
> [@Foma](#): > > 1. Allow PHDs (within reason) I know baseball players have a reputation for being a little stupid, but they don’t have a rule banning advanced degrees. Particularly in logic. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2010, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sports-rules-do-you-think-could-benefit-other-sports/533989/66 "2010-03-29T18:09:39Z")
The NBA could use rules against traveling and palming. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Foma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/77aa72/32.png) [@Foma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Foma)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2010, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sports-rules-do-you-think-could-benefit-other-sports/533989/67 "2010-03-29T18:14:46Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > I know baseball players have a reputation for being a little stupid, but they don’t have a rule banning advanced degrees. Particularly in logic. It’s not Performance Henhancing Drugs? I’m currently on the phone with NBC to get the XLB licensed. Not only are the previously mentioned rules changed, all players must have advanced degrees…and ties after nine innings are broken with a homerun derby…and we’re gonna have hookers…and blackjack. You know what? Forget the baseball! LURKER AWAYYY!! ---
**Author:** ![astorian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ad7895/32.png) [@astorian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astorian)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2010, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sports-rules-do-you-think-could-benefit-other-sports/533989/68 "2010-03-29T19:56:38Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > And salary floor, too. Hear that, Marlins? Well, the Marlins have won as many world championships in the past 20 years as the Red Sox. MORE than the Mets, Cubs, Angels or Dodgers. Give them a teeny bit of credit! They may be cheap, but they’ve gotten value for the money they HAVE spent. ---
**Author:** ![Rysto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ecccb3/32.png) [@Rysto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rysto)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2010, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sports-rules-do-you-think-could-benefit-other-sports/533989/69 "2010-03-29T20:28:21Z")
I’ve wondered at times if hockey would benefit from a “three-in-the-key”-type rule. It’s becoming very difficult to get good shots through on the cycle and nearly impossible to find open passing lanes to the prime scoring areas. Forcing the wingers out of the slot if a defenceman isn’t pinching could really help. Or, it could be a disaster. I’m really not sure. ---
**Author:** ![Folacin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folacin/32/3195_2.png) [@Folacin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folacin)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2010, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sports-rules-do-you-think-could-benefit-other-sports/533989/70 "2010-03-29T21:23:01Z")
> [@Foma](#): > > 1. Keep the DH, but allow it for catchers, too. So, two DH’s instead of one? There’s nothing in the rules that say you have to DH for the pitcher, they just tend to be crappy hitters. In high school games, they tend to DH for a good glove/no bat guy, since the pitcher tends to be one of the best hitters as well. Joe ---
**Author:** ![garygnu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garygnu/32/2924_2.png) [@garygnu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garygnu)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2010, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sports-rules-do-you-think-could-benefit-other-sports/533989/71 "2010-03-29T21:27:20Z")
Hell, why not go full-NFL sub policy for baseball. All the hitters are hitting specialists, and all the fielders are gold-glove contenders. Pitchers can go in and out as many times as the manager likes, so you’ll always have a lefty up against lefties. (Might want to expand the roster, I think.) ---
**Author:** ![El\_Cheapo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8e7dd6/32.png) [@El\_Cheapo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Cheapo)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2010, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sports-rules-do-you-think-could-benefit-other-sports/533989/72 "2010-03-29T21:30:47Z")
> [@Folacin](#): > > So, two DH’s instead of one? There’s nothing in the rules that say you have to DH for the pitcher, they just tend to be crappy hitters. In high school games, they tend to DH for a good glove/no bat guy, since the pitcher tends to be one of the best hitters as well. > > Joe In MLB - DH for the pitcher only: Rule 6.10(b): A hitter may be designated to bat for the starting pitcher and all subsequent pitchers in any game without otherwise affecting the status of the pitcher(s) in the game. > **[MLB.com | The Official Site of Major League Baseball](https://www.mlb.com)** > > Coverage includes audio and video clips, interviews, statistics, schedules and exclusive stories. ---
**Author:** ![Malacandra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Malacandra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malacandra)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2010, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sports-rules-do-you-think-could-benefit-other-sports/533989/73 "2010-03-29T22:14:31Z")
> [@MOIDALIZE](#): > > Soccer should adopt the rule they have in dog fighting whereby it’s banned in the United States. Damn you for an insular, ignorant knuckle-dragging redneck – but that was some funny shit there. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![galen\_ubal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/galen_ubal/32/4440_2.png) [@galen\_ubal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/galen_ubal)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2010, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sports-rules-do-you-think-could-benefit-other-sports/533989/74 "2010-03-30T03:35:54Z")
Thunderdome rules: (X) men enter, one man leaves! (X) men enter, one man leaves! 😃 {X, of course, varying by the normal number of men on the field. Has nothing to do with Wolverine, etc.} ---
**Author:** ![Cardinal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cardinal/32/4000_2.png) [@Cardinal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardinal)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2010, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sports-rules-do-you-think-could-benefit-other-sports/533989/75 "2010-04-21T15:40:25Z")
> [@Bijou\_Drains](#): > > The NFL has sped up games recently - clock no longer stops on out of bounds unless it’s near the end of the half. I can’t find a cite for that. Can you? ---
**Author:** ![Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e480ec/32.png) [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Least_Original_User_Name_Ever)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2010, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sports-rules-do-you-think-could-benefit-other-sports/533989/76 "2010-04-21T16:29:09Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > The National League could use the DH rule. Agreed. ---
**Author:** ![gonzomax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2010, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sports-rules-do-you-think-could-benefit-other-sports/533989/77 "2010-04-21T16:55:45Z")
Baseball should platoon. They need to put a great defensive team on the field . Then when their turn to bat comes up, they should be allowed to put in the best hitters they can find. The National League should adopt the DH rule at least. Pitchers batting is a big drag on the game. ---
**Author:** ![kidchameleon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/898d66/32.png) [@kidchameleon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kidchameleon)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2010, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sports-rules-do-you-think-could-benefit-other-sports/533989/78 "2010-04-21T17:23:07Z")
> [@Cardinal](#): > > I can’t find a cite for that. Can you? [Here’s one.](http://www.nfl.com/rulebook/timing) > [@NFL](#): > > With the exception of the last two minutes of the first half and the last five minutes of the second half, the game clock will be restarted following a kickoff return, a player going out of bounds on a play from scrimmage, or after declined penalties when appropriate on the referee’s signal ---
**Author:** ![GargoyleWB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gargoylewb/32/199_2.png) [@GargoyleWB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GargoyleWB)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2010, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sports-rules-do-you-think-could-benefit-other-sports/533989/79 "2010-04-21T18:58:18Z")
I love the more dynamic substitutions, like hockey. Pro-wrestling tag-team substitutions could be used in basketball. A substitute is stationed on the baseline, and can tag-in at any moment during play. Or it may be incredibly stupid, but I can dream… ---
**Author:** ![Superhal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Superhal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superhal)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2010, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sports-rules-do-you-think-could-benefit-other-sports/533989/80 "2010-05-05T02:18:31Z")
Every sport should have instant replay. Like yesterday. Every sport should have the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Every sport should have a rookie salary cap like the NBA. Every sport should have an alternative college for high-schoolers, like the MLB’s farm system. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sports-rules-do-you-think-could-benefit-other-sports/533989.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sports-rules-do-you-think-could-benefit-other-sports/533989.md?page=5)