NSR: More Alabama Breweries and New Brewing Law?

Today, I'd like to share with you something that is near and dear to me, but is NSR or not soccer related.  I've posted many times that I like my beer.  Sometimes my soccer and beer interests intermingle, but this post is all about the beer.  

I used to be the typical Amerian beer drinker, who went to the beer aisle and picked up a sixer from one of the major breweries, but then in college I took a trip to Bavaria and was hit over the head and awoken from my beer drinking slumber by how rich and flavorful beer could be.  Since then, I have sought out beer that offers more than the "flavored water" of the major brewery offerings.

In fact, when I got married, I went to the local small batch brewery in Northern Virginia and self-brewed a celebratory brew that I served at my wedding reception.  And when I moved to Alabama, one of the first things I did was join Free the Hops, a group of Alabamian beer aficionados who lobby the Alabama legislators to change the all to restrictive Alabama beer laws.  

Due to archaic laws left over from prohibition and propped up by the major breweries who were trying to prevent competition, Alabama had become a beer desert with local Huntsville brewery Olde Towne being one of the only oases.  In order to change this, FTH proposed the Gourmet Beer Law, that was passed in 2009 after three years of constant support.

Since then, Alabama has experienced a renaissance of beer culture.  In the past year alone, Huntsville has seen three new craft breweries open.  Joining Olde Towne is Straight to Ale, BluePants, and Yellowhammer.  Now, news is breaking that there will be two new Alabama breweries in Old Black Bear and Avondale joining Good People and Back Forty who have been Alabama breweries for a while. 

This is great news for Alabama beer, but still, there is work to be done in Alabama when it comes to beer and brewing.  Remember the archaic laws I mentioned above, there are a few laws in particular that precludes brewpubs and breweries from operating freely unless they meet restrictions that are anti-business and just silly.

The first is that brewpubs must be located in a historic building, in a wet county or city, in which beer was brewed prior to prohibition.  This reduces the location of brewpubs to old and decrepit buildings that are often not in ideal business locations and cuts out large swathes of the state from consideration.  Renovating these buildings and retrofitting them to include modern brewing equipment can be prohibitively costly.

The second is that brewpubs cannot package their beers for sale anywhere but inside the brewpub.  So, if you loved the beer the brewpub sells, you cannot fill up a growler or buy a six pack to take home.  Nor can you find that beer on tap at another bar.  In order to enjoy that brew, you must drink it in the brewpub.   

Brewpubs often offer tastings of their brews and beer to go.  Show above Nimbus Brewing from my recent trip to Arizona.  Unfortunately, Alabama breweries cannot offer these types of service.

In the same vein of ill logic, Alabama also restricts actual breweries from allowing brewery tours with samples of there beer or from opening tasting rooms. 

The result of these restrictions is that Alabama has exactly ZERO operating brewpubs.

In an effort to change this, FTH has proposed the Brewery Modernization Act for the 2011 legislative session.  If you'd like to join the effort to help bring brewpubs to your town, county and state, join Free The Hops and/or contact your local legislators and ask them to support the Brewery Modernization Act.  

 

Heck, maybe one of these future brewpubs will welcome soccer fans and become the desperately needed "Soccer Bar" that we've been looking for.  :)

NPSL Southeast Region Takes Shape With Two New Teams

It appears Rocket City United will have two new opponents on the 2011 schedule.  The Georgia Revolution will join the Knoxville Force as the region's new additions.  According to their Wikipedia page, the team will be run by the Rockdale Youth Soccer Association in the eastern Atlanta suburb of Conyers.  The page lists two head coaches and the team will play home matches at the RYSA Soccerplex with a listed capacity of 1,000. 

It appears all of the teams from the 2010 Southeast region will return.  If the region plays the standard home and away schedule against each team, RCU will play a 12 game regular season.  That makes for a busy summer of soccer in the Madison City Schools Stadium of 6 regular season home matches and the 2011 NPSL Championships.

MLS Friendly in Chattanooga on March 6th

MLS clubs New England Revolution and Columbus Crew will meet in a preseason friendly on March 6th at 4PM at Finely Stadium in Chattanooga.  Pre-ordered ticket will cost $10, while walk-up tickets will go for $15.   The Sunday afternoon match will feature the two original MLS clubs who will be training just down I-75 at the Kennesaw State Soccer Stadium in the northern Atlanta suburb.

New England is looking to rebound from an unusually weak season in 2010 finishing 13th in the league.  New England is coached by former Liverpool star Steve Nicol who says about the preseason, "I'm looking forward to seeing the guys we've brought in and I'm sure we'll do real well."  Nicol will rely on incredibly skilled and physically imposing midfielder Shalrie Joseph and veteran goalkeeper Matt Ries to lead the new players to a more successful season. 

New England's Shalrie Joseph and Columbus' Robbie Rogers will meet again in Chattanooga

Columbus (who likely have the worst logo in professional sports) had a very successful season last year finishing 5th in the league and reaching the finals of the US Open Cup where they lost to Seattle 2:1.  Columbus should come into the match in better form than New England as they will have just played in the two legged semi-finals of the CONCACAF Champions League against fellow MLS club Real Salt Lake.  The Crew will be lead by USMNT regulars Chad Marshall, Eddie Gaven, and Robbie Rogers.

Reminders: Weekend Warrior and Women's League

Weekend Warriors Registration Deadline

Registration for the Weekend Warrior tournament ends this Friday, January 28th.  Sign your team up for the traditional opening of the Huntsville adult soccer playing year.  The six a-side competition is being held at Dublin Park in Madison on February 5-6.  Check out the Southern Soccer blog for more info.


HASL Women's Division Registration

The newly formed HASL Women's Division will hold player registration drives on Thursday, January 27th 5-7 PM and  Saturday, January 29 2-4 PM at Pete's Soccer Shop.  Players will register individually and will play 10 games on Monday nights at Dublin or Palmer Park in Madison.  The fees will be $65.50 per player and that covers fields, refs, state fee, player cards, insurance and uniforms.  Check out the HASL website for more info.

Huntsville Native Called Up To Philippines National Team

Former Rocket City United player and Huntsville Native, Jason Sabio has been called up by the Philippines National Team for its upcoming Asian Football Confederation's Challenge Cup qualifier against Mongolia.  Sabio also spent time training with the Azkals in the summer of 2009 before being called up for the February 9th match.

The Philippines National Team, nicknamed the Azkals (or Streetdogs), are currently ranked 153rd in the FIFA rankings and are under new coach Michael Weiss.  The Azkals are trying to build on their recent success in last month's AFF Suzuki Cup where they beat the defending champions Vietnam.  That shock result led to a semifinal finish and resulted in the Azkals'  highest ever FIFA ranking of 150.  Wiess is looking to continue the success by exploring all player options and calling in many foreign based players of Filipino decent, including Sabio. 

New Feature: Pick-up Soccer Listing

You may have noticed the new link just under the PWT-blog's title bar called Pick-up Soccer Listing.  There you'll find some of the many regular pick-up games that go on all over the Tennessee Valley.

Action from the Lunchtime Soccer Pick-up Game

Right now I have listed one game each from Decatur, Huntsville and Madison.  If you know of a game, drop me a comment or send me an email with the details (when, where, skill level, and other special info) and I'll add them to the list.

In Depth: HASL's Women Division

When Suzy Permar moved to Huntsville for work just over a year ago, one of the first things she did was look for a league to quench soccer thirst.  When she discovered that there were no leagues for the female player older than the age of 18 in Huntsville,  she decided that she would make it her goal to change the situation.  "I realized  that there was no women's soccer leagues or even a recognized co-ed league for women to play in.  That is why I decided to get the ball rolling on starting a women's league here." 

You'll find several women scattered across the rosters of the Huntsville Adult Soccer League, but HASL is certainly not considered a "co-ed" league.  That makes it hard for women who would like to continue to play the game they grew up loving.  "Although, I have an obvious personal interest in starting a league here in Huntsville, I am also doing it for the progression of women's sports in this area, " added Permar.

HASL has also recognized that there is a segment of the soccer playing population that isn't being served and has made it a priority to help Permar establish the league.  Permar gives HASL a lot of credit, "Jacob Noffke at HASL has really made this happen for us." 

Permar, who has quite a bit of experience as a player, coach and soccer administrator in Memphis, is looking to set up a top notch competition in Huntsville.  "HASL has agreed to include a women's program under their umbrella. So the women of Huntsville will play through that organization and register with USSF and the Alabama State Soccer Association."

Permar understands that it may take some time to build up the women's league to the heights that the existing men's league has reached.  "At this time the games will be played in Madison at Palmer Park on Monday nights.  We are going to start with a 6v6 League until we grow large enough to play 11v11."

Spring Registration dates will be next Thursday, January 27th from 5-7 and Saturday,  January 29th from 2-4 at Pete's Soccer Shop .  If you can't make it to the registration dates or you or a player you know would like more info, you can reach Suzy at spermar11@gmail.com.

In a stroke of bad luck, Suzy will have to wait to reap the fruits of her labor.  "Unfortunately, I will be on the sidelines during the first season as I am currently recovering from a torn ACL. I expect to be back playing this summer sometime."

Weekend Warriors, USA v Chile on TV?

Weekend Warriors Returns

Weekend Warrior is back!

There's still time to sign up for the 4th Annual Weekend Warriors 6-aside Soccer Tournament returns to Dublin Park in Madison on February 4th and 5th.  There will be an Open, Recreational and Womens division.

The Weekend Warriors Championship Trophy

This is tournament is always a lot of fun, and allows the weekend warriors in the area an opportunity to gently (or not so gently) ease into the spring season.



USA v Chile TV Options

Due to contractual conflicts, Saturday's 9 PM friendly between the USMNT and Chile will have no English language TV.  If you're looking to watch it you'll have to find Telefutura on your system or you can watch it online on ESPN3.  Fortunately, my Xbox has ESPN3.  So, I'll be able to see it on my TV, but you may want to make preparations.

NPSL, HASL, and New Referee Clinic

14 New Teams including Knoxville Join NPSL

The NPSL announced today that there will be 14 new teams joining the nationwide league, including a club from Knoxville, TN.  The league also announced that it has gone from a non-profit to a for profit entity.  Update:  In addition, it has been learned that NPSL teams will now have the option to become professional or to stay amateur. 

The Knoxville Force is expected to join the Southeast Region.  The team will play its home matches in the University of Tennessee's Regal Stadium that holds 3,000 spectators.  It is expected that they will take the place of Tulsa FC in the Southeast Region.  Tulsa is likely to play its 2011 in a new region to include teams from Oklahoma, Texas, and perhaps other states.


HASL Spring 2011 Set to Begin February 23rd

The Huntsville Adult Soccer League held its Captains Meeting Sunday.  There will remain 30 teams in 5 divisions for the Spring 2011 season that is set to start on February 23rd.   This season for the first time ever, there will also be a Women's Division for adult women ages 18 and up.  If you or a woman soccer player you know is interested in joining the six-aside league, contact Suzy Permar at discosoccer11@yahoo.com.


Give Back to the Game:  Become a Ref

There is a shortage of referees in Northern Alabama.  For years, HASL has not been able to add interested teams beyond its current number of 30 due to the lack of referees to officiate matches.  In an attempt to combat this problem, the North Alabama Soccer Officials Association is sponsoring a USSF Referee Clinic for entry-level referees (USSF Grade 8 and 9).  This is also the perfect time for all of you players who complain about the quality of referees in the area to put up or shut up.  In fact, all HASL players who sign up for the clinic will be reimbursed 50% of the certification costs once they referee 3 HASL matches!  The clinic costs $40 and will be held on January 28, 29 and 30th at the First Christian Church at 3209 Whitesburg Drive in Huntsville.  For more info, go to the NASOA website.

  

Update:   I've had several requests for info on other clinics being offered in Alabama from folks who can't make the NASOA clinic.  My expert in all things refereeing, Darrell Schmidt says,

"Alabama referee clinics are posted at:

 

http://alabamayouthsoccer.org/Referees/index_E.html

Click on the link “Referee Clinic Schedule” under Related Links on the left side of the page.  Looks like there is referee clinic in February in B’ham."

Now, you have no excuses!

HASL League Meeting, Youth Coaching

HASL Captain Meeting Tomorrow At Pete's Soccer Shop

The Spring 2011 Huntsville Adult Soccer League's Captains Meeting will be held Sunday at 2PM at Pete's Soccer Shop.  The league officers and captains will discuss the upcoming Spring 2011 season and other developments like the new Womens Division.


Youth Coaching, Where Less Is More

Steve Davis wrote a great blog post about how he has learned to be a better coach by just shutting up and letting the kids play and figure out the game by themselves.  If you're a coach, read it; learn it; do it.

USMNT in Nashville, Montgomery Soccer Complex and NPSL Meetings

USA Coming Back to Nashville

LP Field rocked the last time the US played in Nashville

The US Men's National Team will return to LP Field for the first time since the spring of 2009 when they face Paraguay on March 29th.  


Montgomery to Build Soccer Complex

Artist Rendering of the Montgomery Soccer Complex by McKee and Associates

Decatur's successful Jack Allen Soccer Complex has other Alabama cities taking note.  Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange announced plans today that it will partner with YMCA to build a multi-million dollar complex which they hope will attract the same type of tournaments that JASC has been able to attract.
 

NPSL League Meetings Held In Baltimore

The National Premier Soccer League is holding its annual league meetings this week in Baltimore, MD during the National Soccer Coaches Association of America's convention.

Several new teams and perhaps a new conference or two are expected to be announced.  I hope to have some of the details of the meeting for you next week.

One Year Later: Still Helping Haiti

Today is the anniversary of the earthquake that rocked Port-au-Prince in Haiti.  I thought I'd share some photos of the collection of used soccer equipment that you, the Huntsville soccer community, so graciously donated in conjunction with the Haiti Food Drive.

Drop-off at the Disaster Response Warehouse in Decatur

A few months ago, my wife and I drove the donations down to Decatur to meet the Warehouse Supervisor Ray who catalogs and readies all donations for transport to on-site locations.  We spent a few hours with Ray helping around the warehouse and got an idea of just how much help is needed in Haiti.  He was truly excited about the soccer equipment donations and thought it would be a great thing for those in need.

Warehouse supervisor Ray boxing up the balls

I'd been meaning to share these for a while now and the anniversary seemed like an appropriate time to do so.

Thank you all for your donations.

This and That

Champions League on FOX through 2015

FOX has extended its contract with UEFA to broadcast the UEFA Champions League.  FOX Sports will show matches through FSC, FSP, and the regional FOX Sports stations.  The CL Final will continue to be broadcast in HD on the main FOX network, including the local FOX54, for the next 4 years.


NAIA Women's Tournament

Two Saturday's ago, I called the play-by-play for the 2010 NAIA Women's Championship Final.  Lee University took home their third straight national title in a 3:0 victory over Cinderella story Hastings College to end another exciting tournament.   I'd like to thank the hardworking folks at the Decatur Parks and Rec. department and Jack Allen Soccer Complex, Amanda Dahl from the NAIA's media relations, and my buddy Juergen Beck from Freedom Light Productions, who runs a mean camera while catching all the action and braving the weather. 


Oh Yeah, This Happened

If you've followed this blog for a while, you already know that I believe FIFA's only reason for existing is to line the pockets of the bigwigs in charge.  On December 2nd, they erased all doubts of their corruption by naming Russia and Qatar as the hosts of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.  Don't believe me?  Below is the BBC's Panorama program that ran on the eve of the bid award, and casts a critical eye at the behavior of many FIFA Excutive Committee members who cast the votes to send the World Cup to Russia and Qatar.

U-20 USA v Mexico

USA v Mexico U-20s line up before the match

The United States U-20 team took on regional rival Mexico in the Torneo de las Americas tournament, yesterday.  In a chippy game that typifies all USA v Mexico matches, the teams drew 1:1, but the rules of the tournament dictated PKs, which Mexico won 4:2. 

Kennesaw State Soccer Stadium

I was excited to go see this game for a few reasons.  First, the game was played in one of the newest soccer specific stadiums in the US at Kennesaw State University outside of Atlanta.  I've been to many of the south's stadiums and this one, which also serves as the home stadium of the WPS' Atlanta Beat, is one of the nicest.  It seats about 5,000 and and has a nice polished feel to it.  It leaves you with the impression that a professional outfit plays here, and is not just a pile of bleachers with a new coat of paint.

The stands are close to the natural turf field, and there are no benches; everyone gets an actual seat.  Several suites run along the west side of the field, and there's a cool, tiered lounge-type area for eating and imbibing while not missing the action.   BTW, even though the stadium is was built as a partnership with KSU, it does not sit on University property and can server beer.  Bonus!

Future USA World Cup stars?

Another reason for excitement was the chance to see the next stars of North American soccer play up close.  Jaun Agudelo, the 18 year old who just a week prior to this tournament scored in his debut for the senior US team, was a force in the match and made the life of the Mexican left back difficult for the entire 90 minutes.  But still,  I had to keep reminding myself that despite their physical maturity and great skills, these players on the filed in front of me are teenagers.  For every graceful maneuver and breathtaking run was a ball played to no one, or a forced ramble that lead to a turnover.   A few more years of seasoning will serve these youngsters well.

U-20 Friendlies, NAIA in AL, and New NPSL Team in Atlanta?

U-20 Friendlies

 There will be lots of high quality soccer in the south this week beginning with the Torneo de las Americas outside of Atlanta featuring the U-20 teams from the United States, Columbia and Mexico.  The tournament culminates with a meeting of neighboring rivals USA and Mexico on Sunday afternoon at the new soccer stadium in Kennesaw, GA.  But the games won't end there as Mexico and Columbia will travel up to Chattanooga to face each other next Tuesday night.   If you're not able to make it to Sunday's match in Kennesaw, here's your chance to catch some of the next World Cup's stars less than a two hour drive from Huntsville.



NAIA Championships in Alabama

I've already told you that the NAIA Women's Championship will be held in our backyard, but the 2010 NAIA Men's Soccer Championship will also be held in Alabama.  Orange Beach will host the final 16 teams in a knockout style tournament.

 As for the Women's tournament, Decatur's Jack Allen Soccer Stadium will feature four games daily at 10 AM, 1, 4 and 7 PM on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.  The four teams that make it through will meet in the semifinals at 1 and 3 PM on Friday.  The championship will be held on Saturday night.  Come out to Jack Allen or follow the action here.  I hope to see you out there as I'll be calling several of the games including the semifinals and finals.

New NPSL Team in Atlanta?

Atlanta FC no more?

The latest rumor has it that Atlanta FC will be replaced in the NPSL Southeast Region by a team called Diablos Atlanta.  It appears the club will be led by former Mexican International Jose Manuel Abundis.  Plans are for the Diablos to play it's home matches in ReMax Stadium.  The stadium is also the home of the Atlanta Silverbacks who are to play their first season in the new NASL next year.

Catching Up

As you can tell, I've been taking a break from the blog.  Running the PWT-blog is a voluntary effort on my part and after the NPSL Championships last August, I was burned out.  So, in an effort to prevent future bouts with burn out, don't expect the frequency of future post to quite meet past levels.


So, what has happened in the Huntsville soccer scene since my last post?

Alabama A&M's men's team played their final match, an 0:8 nationally televised loss to the University of Memphis to finish 0-0-11.  A sad ending to a once great program.

 Rocket City United parted with its third coach in its four year existence.  Desmond Armstrong will not remain in the club, but will remain a feature in the area by opening Desmond Armstrong's Soccer Village in Greenbrier.   RCU will looked to better 2010's third place finish in the NPSL Southeast Region.  To help in this effort, RCU has hired Jan Henner to be it's Operations Manager.  Henner was previously on the staff at Bundesliga side 1899 Hoffenheim, and will run the RCU Academy.  As for the top position, it appears the leading candidate for head coach at RCU is Martin Methodist College Women's coach Gerry Cleary.  Next year's team will begin taking shape this Saturday, when RCU holds tryouts at Pt. Mallard Park in Decatur.   

Speaking of Martin Methodist, they will serve as the virtual home team during the 2010 NAIA Women's Soccer Championships held in Decatur next week.  I'll be calling several of the games from the Jack Allen Soccer Stadium including the final next Saturday at 5PM.  You can watch the live webcast of all the matches.

A women's league will begin this spring in affiliation with HASL.  The league format will most likely be four teams playing 6 to a side.  For more information, contact Suzy Pelmar.

UAH Score But Still Lose At Montevallo

At first glance the scoreline of yesterday's 3:2 loss to the University of Montevallo would tell you that UAH has finally broken through their scoring funk, but the circumstance of the UAH goals indicate that assumption is not necessarily true.  As UAH were outshot 24-6 (10-4 on goal) by the 13th ranked Falcons, the Chargers are clearly still searching for answers in the attacking third.

Montevallo's Stephen Beatty opened the game with poacher's goal, cleaning up a rebound from a Tyler Early save.  UAH then ended its goal drought from an unexpected source.  A Falcon defender sent a looping backpass over his keeper's head and into the net for an own goal, UAH's first goal of the season after 279 scoreless minutes.

Five minutes after the halftime break, the Charger's took their first lead of the season when sophomore forward Tony Stock converted from the penalty spot.  Eight minutes later, Beatty scored his second of the match to level the score.  The score remained locked at twos until the second overtime when Vance Curro pounced on a bounding ball in the penalty area and stroked home the winner.  It is the second straight double overtime loss for UAH in what has become a frustrating early season run.

Munro Named 2010 MVP for RCU

Rocket City United has announced that Alexi Munro has been named the team's Most Valuable Player.  Munro recorded two goals and one assist in helping his team to a 3-3-2 record and third place in the NPSL Southeast Region.

2010 RCU MVP Alexi Munro

Munro, a South African native, is hoping to earn a contract with a Premier Soccer League (South Africa's first division) team, and had nothing but good things to say about his times with RCU when I spoke to him after the season.  

College Weekend Wrap-up

This weekend brought more of the same from the local outfits.

A&M Swept Aside in Two Blow-outs

It was anything but classic for Alabama A&M team that has been a shadow of their former selves at the Evansville Classic tournament this past weekend.  The Bulldogs fell at the feet of University of Evansville 9:0 on Friday night.  In the second match yesterday afternoon, Abraham Kassaye provided the only bright spot with a 25 yard blast to keep A&M from the shutout in a 7:1 drubbing against Bradley University.

UAH Falls To Union 1:0 in OT on Own Goal

After a 251 minute drought, UAH had finally scored a goal as Tomoaki Matsuo rose to meet a well driven Jarred Muggleton free kick.  Matsuo nodded a looping header back across the goal and over the heavy footed Union University goalkeeper, but as the Chargers exclaimed with relief to cheer the long awaited goal, the celebrations were muted by the AR's flag snapping to attention.  No goal.  Offside.

In a match that was dominated by strong defending, neither the Chargers or Union was able to create many chances.  Union preferred spraying shots from distance while UAH attempted to attack without much midfield support.  Despite this, UAH had the better looks at goal.  In addition to the previously mentioned nullified goal from Matsuo, the Charger's lanky forward Tony Stock came closest to breaking the deadlock when he strode into the penalty area and lashed a vicious stroke that left the Union keeper hoping for intervention.  That intervention came in the way of the right post and the regulation time ended scoreless.

As the sun began setting the first overtime period passed without note and only 1:27 into the second a harmless cross passed across the UAH goalmouth.  Inexplicably, UAH defender Dylan Peppia dropped to the ground and attempted to head the ball clear, but only managed to direct it into his own net.  The mistake from the freshman ended the match in a decidedly frustrating fashion, another 1:0 loss for the Chargers.

The scoreless streak?  It's now 282 minutes without a goal.

Wallace State Cruises to Another 3:0 Win

To keep this post from becoming all "doom and gloom", I'd like to report that Wallace State Community College in Hanceville is having a stellar season.  WSCC defeated Hinds CC 3:0 behind two goals from Luis Helguera and solid goalkeeping from Huntsville's own Drew Hannan.

Trials of the Professional Referee

I'm a referee supporter.  These are guys who get no respect and are only noticed when they make mistakes.  It boggles my mind why someone would put themselves in the "line of fire" of the criticism that is hurled their way.  This criticism is often gloriously ignorant.  That is... Unless the criticism isn't wrongly placed. 

Remember the Hand of Gaul goal last fall?  In the video below, Martin Hansson, the Swedish referee who missed the blatant handling by Thierry Henry that sent France through to the World Cup, is followed by a film crew as he prepares to qualify for the World Cup.  Although subsequent evidence appeared that vindicated that Hansson could not have seen the infraction, Hansson faced criticism from the entire footballing world and a multitude of death threats. 

Rättskiparen | The Referee [2010]

The video is about 30 minutes long, but it's well worth your time.  It's a fascinating look at what makes a high level ref tick and the multitude of pressures he feels.

Some good may have come from the awful mistake, however.  Along with several controversial calls in the World Cup, FIFA has finally recognized that something may have to change.  Debate about goal line technology and replays has been at an all-time high.  UEFA has even added two extra goal-line referees to have more eyes on the action.  Let's hope the authorities continue to provide help the the men in the middle.