Saturday, February 28, 2009

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Soccer has become hugely popular in recent years and is now generating billions of pounds every year. Because the financial rewards have increased there is a growing call for the introduction of technology to assist match officials in reducing the amount of refereeing mistakes that are made.

There have been numerous ideas considered by FIFA including having extra linesmen and also officials placed behind the goals. The referral system that is used in sports like rugby, tennis and cricket and others has been proven to significantly reduce the worst examples of mistakes made by the referees and umpires.

When you have incidents where goals are given when the ball has not gone anywhere near the goal then it strengthens the argument for the introduction of some sort of referral system. The main argument against using such a method is the interruption it would cause. Challenging or referring a decision to an official who had access to the required technology need not take too long as has been proven in other sportsthat currently use the system.

FIFA is reluctant to use the referral system but all teams would benefit in the long run. There is also an argument that relations between officials, managers and players would improve significantly with the reduction of controversial refereeing decisions.

If a referral system were introduced then it would have to be used selectively with each team having one opportunity to challenge or refer a decision in each 45 minute period. This would ensure that challenges would only be used for the most contentious decisions.

Football has become so big that officiating needs to improve accordingly. Referees may have become more accountable now that they have turned professional but there is still scope for improvement and using technology would certainly eliminate the human errors.

To read more football related articles please visit English Football Blog for the latest news and comment on the English soccer scene.

The author is an experienced sports journalist and has a keen interest in sports betting, poker and financial trading you can see some of his work at Football Betting System which is a popular soccer betting resource for use on the betting exchanges.

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Tuesday, February 24, 2009

adidas Women's Koolvana Sandal

Sleek and feminine, this lovely thong is designed to hug every curve of your foot. The plush fitFOAM™ footbed pampers you with extreme comfort.


Prevent injuries with proper youth soccer gear.

Youth soccer players do need the same type of equipment as more mature soccer players. But, it is important that their gear fits properly. Children will get more enjoyment from the game, and will be less likely to injure themselves.

Youth soccer gear includes a solid pair of soccer cleats, well-fitting soccer shorts, and socks that match the team jersey. Soccer shinguards will provide lower leg protection, and a soccer jersey, to top it off. Let's look a little deeper at each item of youth soccer gear.

Soccer Cleats and Shoes

Cleat or shoe types include removable cleats, molded cleats, indoor soccer shoes and turf shoes:

  • Molded Cleats have non-removable, pre-formed rubber or plastic cleats on the bottom. Metal cleats are not allowed. They can be used on all outdoor field types but will not perform as well on turf, or wet, soggy fields.
  • Removable Cleats are made of a hard plastic. These studs can be replaced as they wear down. Players of a higher skill level usually use this type of cleat on longer grass, or wet soggy fields.
  • Indoor soccer shoes look similar to a sneaker, but they are very different. They are made with exclusive compounds in the sole that provide improved grip over sneakers. They are cut lower to prevent rolling off the ankles as your child makes the moves that soccer requires. They are made for firm surfaces like gyms, but not for indoor artificial turf.
  • Turf Shoes are specifically for playing on artificial turf. It doesn't matter if it is indoor or outdoor turf. The sole has been specially designed with studs that are shorter than molded or removable cleats. They are multi-directional in nature. This helps provide the grip necessary for playing on artificial turf.

Shinguards

Soccer shin guards are made from a variety of materials. These materials can include:

  • Plastic.
  • Polyurethane.
  • Foam rubber.
  • Fiberglass.
  • Foam/lycra.

Shin guards are required as part of youth soccer gear and one of the best ways to prevent injury. In soccer most of the action is at your feet. It is sometimes suggested that different positions need to wear a different type of shin guard. I will provide the information, but only you and your child can decide what is best.

  • Defenders - thicker model with more protection.
  • Midfielders - protective, lightweight, and more rounded in style.
  • Forwards - more ankle protection and very light.

This guide will be helpful in choosing the proper shin guard size for your child:

  • X-Small: up to a height of 3 feet 9 inches
  • Small: up to a height of 4 feet 5 inches
  • Medium: up to a height of 5 feet 1 inch
  • Large: over 5 feet 2 inches

Youth Soccer Socks

These socks are not much different from the socks that older players wear. They are just smaller. They are needed to hold the shin guards in place, and to match the team's uniform.

Less expensive socks are usually made from a polyester-acrylic blend. Sometimes cotton is added for comfort, but don't expect a lot of cotton. But you can find 100% cotton socks.

Choosing top quality socks made with synthetic microfibers will pull perspiration away from the foot. They will have a padded sole to enhance foot comfort as well.

TIP - If your child's foot sweats a great deal, put talcum powder or foot powder in the sock to help soak it up. This will help prevent blisters.

Youth Soccer Jerseys

Most jerseys today are made from a combination of light-weight microfibers that are and do not absorb much moisture. When it comes to youth soccer, the team or association usually supplies the jerseys. So for that reason, I will leave the jersey choosing to you and your soccer association. Unless you are looking for replica soccer jerseys.

Soccer Shorts

Even though they may be cool to your kids, baggy shorts are not good for the soccer field. If they are too long, they can restrict easy movement. If this happens your child may get injured, or may not play up to their ability. The less restriction, the better it is for their game. They also have to fit your team's uniform. Some associations will provide shorts and socks as part of the team uniform.

If you use this information as a guide you should be able to get the right youth soccer gear for your child.

Wayne MacLean has over 30 years of experience in the game of soccer. As a soccer coach, soccer player, soccer referee, and all-around soccer fan, Wayne is now adding a new dimension to his love of soccer. He now writes many articles and creates soccer videos to help those that are involved in soccer, are new to soccer, or just want to know more about soccer. Check out my Youth Soccer Gear page.

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Monday, February 16, 2009

Sneaker Wars: The Enemy Brothers Who Founded Adidas and Puma and the Family Feud That Forever Changed the Business of Sport

The fascinating story of the enemy brothers behind adidas and puma, whose rivalry shaped the modern sports business

Adidas and Puma are two of the biggest global brands in sports, paying stars, clubs, and competitions to show off their labels in stadiums and across magazine pages.

In Sneaker Wars, journalist Barbara Smit reveals the dramatic, character-driven story of these two power-houses. Started in their mother's laundry room in Germany, Adi and Rudi Dassler's shoe business was an instant success, their spikes worn by Jesse Owens in the Berlin Olympics. But a vicious feud soon pulled them apart: by the end of World War II, the brothers split the company, dividing their family and hometown.

Adidas and Puma revolutionized the world of sport, their rivalry introducing behind-the-scenes deals and multimillion-dollar contracts. From Pelé to Joe Namath, Walt Frazier to Boris Becker, Muhammad Ali to David Beckham, they all contribute to the roller-coaster rise, near collapse, and revival of the two brands. A page-turning narrative, Sneaker Wars is a riveting blend of family drama, business, sports, and history.




If you are interested in starting your own business, a fitting business logo is mandatory. Business logos not only help you identify your business or products and services, but they also pre-sell your identity. That is, business logos build your brand. And as you are already aware, branding or image building is crucial for any business undertaking.

Your business logo should tell everything that your business stands for in an image, a tagline or a combination of both. Various companies adopt various techniques to achieve the perfect business logo. This is because a business logo is your first, and sometimes the last, impression of your business ideas.

Importance Of Logos

Logos are such an intrinsic part of our lives that we often fail to value their importance. A telephone logo on a signboard tells us there is a phone booth in the vicinity. Water flowing from a tap indicates presence of running water. The three stripe logo outside a shoe store tells you that Adidas shoes are available. The golden arches forming a yummy M outside an eatery tells you that you will get your favorite McDonalds snack inside. One look at the ‘one side bitten into’ apple on a signboard, and you know it is Apple Inc and that you can trust its quality without any hesitation.

Creating or designing business logos are neither child play nor a Herculean task. What you need is clarity of thought, precision in designing and a thorough knowledge of aesthetics. It is good to remember that no two logos depend on the same element of design. McDonalds uses color and shape (bright yellow M on a red background), Apple uses an image (a bitten into apple) and Coca Cola focuses on typeface. But all the three are equally recognizable and unique in their own ways.

Rules Of Business Logos

While deciding on your business logos, lay emphasis on only what your business is all about and what you want to tell the world. Although there are no strict guidelines to design the most effective business logos, yet there are some rules that have been followed down the years.

Business logos differ with industries. Though there is no strict rule, some conventions have been followed since they have worked from inception. Business logos appear in high tech, service oriented and business-to-business industries.

• High tech industries – generally use angular and multi-cornered business logos to convey innovativeness

• Service oriented industries – generally use smooth and rounded business logos to convey friendliness and approachability

• Business-to-business industries – follow the middle path. Their business logos combine the chiseled and rounded look to convey stability and to build trust in the company

Depending on where your business stands on the spectrum, decide on the type of business logo that will work for you.

A Timely Reminder

Your business logos should reflect your business goals, your marketing strategies and your future business prospects.

Just like in the days of emperors and kingdoms, the ‘ring seal’ on letters said it all, your business logos appearing on every letterhead, business card, website, magazine, brochure, pamphlet and hoarding should tell the world of your services. Business logos are one of the prime sellers of your services. According to experts of the trade, there are 6 golden rules of designing business logos:

• Business logos should be honest to the core – this means, you business logos should not look like “something that you came across in the magazine the other day”. It should reflect your personality, your vision and the quality of your services. Be creative by all means, but take care not to miss your target. Make your business logos abstract (any pointer with a swish to signify speed; a high power bulb in the darkness to signify innovation etc). Make sure that your business logos are clear in their intentions.

• Business logos should remain simple – this means, your logo should avoid intricacies. Don’t try to say too much with your business logos. Let them be attention grabbers and bring you business. However, to achieve that, business logos will have to give away something of what your business stands for. Your business logos should represent the UPS of your business.

• Business logos should look best in grand old black and white – if your business logo does not work in black and white, it will not work in any other color on earth. So, try out your business logos in B/W and then work on it to give other color tones.

• Business logos should be aesthetically pleasing, irrespective of size – whether your business logos are seen on business cards or billboards, they should look appealing on both. That is the true test of a successful business logo.

• Business logos should maintain artistic balance – this means, no particular part of your business logo should attract you more than the other. Use of color, line depth and shape should be such that your business logos should be one unified art form.

• Business logos should be placed strategically – depending on who, where and how your product will be used, your business logo should be placed on your product. Pens and pencils have their logos at the rear end because the rear is exposed to the buyer. Automobiles have logos both in the front and the rear. This is because you see both from different positions. When you are walking past a parked car, you notice the logo on the bonnet. If you are behind a car, you get to see the logo at the rear. So, the position of the business logo depends on the position of the object and the amount of exposure it receives.

Why Do You Need Business Logos In The First Place?

You need business logos as much as a scientific experiment needs apparatus. You need business logos to make your business known to one and all. Experiments need apparatus to prove to the whole world what the scientist’s mind has in store for you. Similarly, business logos show what your company stands for.

Experts have identified several reasons for the need of business logos for your organization.

• Creating a brand image not only begins with business logos, it is dictated by them – everything your organization does to create a brand image, begins with your logo. All the tools used for sales and marketing bear your business logo. It is your business logo that reaches every corner of the world. Your brand sells or does it not? Who decides? Your business logos. A swish is one of the simplest business logos today. And it is the best brand creating tool. It is easily remembered as it can be easily reproduced. Simplicity of design, effectiveness of simplicity and ease in remembering make your business logos branded.

• Fastest visual cue to your brand in a time crunched world – in a world that is always running after time, it is not unusual to slow down only in the face of instant gratification and everything that hits your sight. Very few people have the time or the inclination to read your advertisement. But they will definitely have the time and the interest to look into your business logo. So, it is all that you have to capture the market. Give all, subtly and overtly, in your business logos.

Swati Banerjee is the owner of Writing Ink, a web content management firm based out of India, that services clients from across the globe. Please take a minute to visit http://www.writing-ink.com to experience how the bright young minds here make magic with words!

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