Meaning: This quote by Cobi Jones, a retired professional soccer player, touches on two significant changes in the rules of soccer. The first part of the quote refers to the role of the referee in keeping track of time on the field, while the second part addresses the banning of shootouts. Let's delve into each of these topics to gain a better understanding of their significance in the world of soccer.

The role of the referee in keeping track of time on the field is a fundamental aspect of soccer. Traditionally, the referee was responsible for keeping track of the time played in each half of the game, typically 45 minutes, as well as any stoppage time added to account for injuries, substitutions, or other interruptions. However, with the advancements in technology and the introduction of digital clocks and scoreboard systems in stadiums, there has been a shift towards using these tools to display and manage the official time of the game. This change has allowed for greater accuracy and transparency in timekeeping, reducing the potential for human error or disputes over added time.

By relinquishing the role of timekeeping to technology, referees can focus more on managing the game and ensuring fair play. This shift has been well-received by many in the soccer community, as it streamlines the officiating process and minimizes the potential for controversies surrounding timekeeping decisions. It also aligns soccer with other sports that have long relied on modern timekeeping methods to ensure accurate and consistent game management.

The second part of the quote addresses the banning of shootouts, which refers to a method of determining the winner of a match that is tied after regular playing time and any additional stoppage time. In the past, some soccer competitions, particularly at the youth or amateur levels, have used shootouts as a tiebreaker to determine the winner of a match. In a shootout, players take turns attempting to score against the opposing team's goalkeeper from the penalty spot, with the team scoring the most goals declared the winner.

While shootouts have been a dramatic and exciting way to resolve tied matches, they have also been criticized for their reliance on individual skill rather than team performance. Additionally, the high-pressure nature of shootouts can place a significant burden on the players and may not necessarily determine the better team on the day. As a result, many soccer governing bodies and competitions have moved away from using shootouts as a tiebreaking method.

Instead of shootouts, alternative tiebreaker methods such as extra time and penalty kicks have gained prominence. Extra time allows for an additional period of play to be contested if a match is tied at the end of regular time, providing both teams with an opportunity to secure a victory through conventional gameplay. If the match remains tied after extra time, penalty kicks are often used as a final tiebreaking method. Penalty kicks involve a series of one-on-one duels between a designated player from each team and the opposing goalkeeper, offering a fair and skill-based approach to determining the winner of a closely contested match.

In conclusion, Cobi Jones' quote sheds light on two significant developments in the world of soccer – the evolution of timekeeping responsibilities for referees and the shifting landscape of tiebreaker methods. These changes reflect the ongoing efforts to enhance the fairness, accuracy, and excitement of the sport, ultimately benefiting players, officials, and fans alike. As soccer continues to evolve, it is crucial to embrace these advancements while preserving the essence and integrity of the beautiful game.