Letters to the Sports Editors

Time to adjust soccer’s old rules

Editor: Now that the World Cup has run its course, it might be a good idea to modernize the game just a bit.

A running clock that ticks down to a last and identifiable second might be a beneficial change from the indeterminate present state of things. Fewer limited substitutions would prevent a team from being punished for an injury. And please, no more “offsides.” Shouldn’t it be the responsibility of the defenders to defend? An aggressive offense shouldn’t be penalized when a defender steps forward at an awkward moment.

Plus, eliminating that odious rule might open up the offense enough that you would lessen the chances of the weaker team winning through a fluke. Wouldn’t you have rather seen a 5-2 German victory in the finals? I would have. It would have far more accurately reflected the sway of the game than what actually happened, wherein a heroic shot was required. It was gorgeous (and thrilling), but it did not represent what actually happened on the pitch.

Richard Paul Hinkle

Santa Rosa

Flat-track racing is hardly motocross

EDITOR: Please get copy editors who know something about motor sports. For years I have read gross inaccuracies in content and terminology in your reporting. Last Sunday’s article about the cancellation of the Santa Rosa Mile took the cake. “Promoter withdraws from motocross race,” read the headline.

Give me a break! Motocross is as close to flat track as football to basketball. Yes, both sports use a ball and that’s it. Thanks.

JIM McALEER

Windsor

Tour de France gets too little coverage

Editor: It wasn’t too long ago when Sonoma County was rabid about cycling. Thanks to Levi Leipheimer, who helped bring the Amgen Tour of California to Santa Rosa, and his own participation in that series but also in the Tour de France. All of it backed by great support and lots of ink from The Press Democrat.

These days, we barely get a few paragraphs updating us on the daily activities of the Tour. What the heck happened?

Our beautiful countryside is still filled with cyclists and their admirers all through the year. A few short sentences in Monday’s paper when the great German Tony Martin won Sunday’s stage, and helped tumble Italy’s Vincenzo Nibali out of first place after the first eight days of the race.

I have Sonoma County friends who get up at 4:30 a.m. to watch the live coverage. Give us a break here, guys!

Larry Carlin

Santa Rosa

LET THE PUBLIC SPEAK

Letters to the sports editor of up to 200 words can be e-mailed to sports@pressdemocrat.com, faxed to 707-521-5463 or mailed to: Sports Editor, The Press Democrat, P.O. Box 910, Santa Rosa 95402. Only original letters, signed with the writer’s true name, address and phone number will be considered. Letters will be edited for length and clarity.