Woods argues that goals should be worth six points rather than one, with a point-after kick added in the style of American football. He also proposes bonus points for goals scored from beyond a set distance, possibly 30 yards.
The intention is clear: reward spectacular finishing and make scorelines sound bigger. But football’s appeal has never rested solely on goals. Its tension comes from the value of a single mistake, the drama of a late equaliser and the tactical battle between attack and defence.
The most unusual idea is Woods’ “Designated Foot” proposal. Each player would choose one foot before kick-off and use only that foot throughout the match. He writes that the selected boot could be coloured red, allowing officials to identify an “Illegal Foot” foul.
It is an inventive visual concept, but enforcement would be difficult. Referees would need to track every touch, while players and coaches would quickly search for ways to exploit the rule. The change could create novelty, though perhaps at the expense of football’s natural flow.
Woods also wants goalkeepers removed for the final five minutes, creating a frantic endgame built around athleticism and long-range shooting. That would almost certainly produce more chances, but it would also transform the closing stages into a separate sport.
For now, these remain proposals from one frustrated football viewer, not an established reform movement. The next major tournament will therefore provide a more familiar test: can football attract new American fans through better storytelling, presentation and accessibility without abandoning the laws that make it unique?