Time wrap

What does the next 100 years bring for the beautiful game?


Follow as I step into the time machine...

Oops wrong way, let's try this one...

Anyway, here's my predictions. With any luck in a hundred years for a school project some kid will Google "soccer predictions 2012" and this will turn up. Hello future person!


Soccer prediction #1
The iPhone referee app completely replaces paper and write on cards. Law 4 mandates player jerseys have a unique bar code (registered in the central FIFA database). To record a goal, or misconduct, a referee simply scans the bar code using the standard referee app. Instant tracking. The screen changes to the appropriate misconduct colour for the referee to show. Actually, several apps already out there that change screen to yellow/red. But no bar code scanning yet.


Soccer prediction #2
Balls have implanted chip that tracks location. Pass under the crossbar, over the goal line, between the goal posts and the referee iphone app buzzes indicating goal.


Soccer prediction #3
Players wear a full length arm sleeve (transparent, super lightweight) that includes a glove portion. Ball hits any part of the arm sleeve, the micro sensor in the ball buzzes the iphone app to signal the referee the ball touched the arm. Up to the referee to determine deliberate or not, but the referee certainly knows if the ball touched the arm (or not)


Soccer prediction #4
Laser equipment hovering above the field continually sprays the field with an invisible laser field. The machine distinguishes opponents (see bar code above). The laser tracks ball movement and the 2nd to last defender, and if the opponent is ahead of the defender or not (arms are not tracked due to the arm sleeve). Voila! real time, 100% accurate off side line that buzzes the appropriate AR when a violation occurs. Still require AR's to make the final determination and raise the flag.


Soccer prediction #5

After the destruction of North America and other countries by some unknown apocalyptic event the World Cup consists of a wealthy Capitol and twelve surrounding, poorer districts under the Capitol's hegemony. 

As punishment for a previous rebellion against the Capitol in which a 13th district was destroyed, one team from each district is selected by annual lottery to participate in the World Cup. This is an event in which the teams (or "tributes") must fight in an outdoor arena controlled by the Capitol, until only one team remains.   Winning team earns food and supplies for their district.
Oops, sorry, wrong future.


Anyhoo, good luck future student on your essay. Don't forget to appropriately reference me in your bibliography.


I can only hope Glee is still on the air!