10 Reasons Why Diving Is an Acceptable Part of World Football

Diving is an intricate part of football today.

Like it or not, even the best players can't avoid hitting the turf at the slightest breeze.

I'm sick of being disappointed in these players. Rather than complain, why don't we accept diving? Accepting dishonorable play is the next best thing to players playing with dignity, right?

As a result, I have compiled a list of the 10 best reasons why we should accept diving as a reality. Feel free to let me know what you think!

It Helps the Officials

Lately, it seems like a lot of officials have been struggling. Although diving won't help with goal-line technology, it will sure help officials keep control of open play.

Sometimes, we face the question, "Is it or is it not a foul?" In those seconds, wouldn't it be great for a player to dive? Then, there would be no question. He would get the call. It's as simple as that.

I don't think officials should have as much subjectivity. If the player hits the ground, then he gets the call. Diving would eliminate any questions, and it would relieve a lot of pressure off the referees.

It Helps Out the Little Guy

How on earth are the small players supposed to contend without diving? Some of the best defenders in the world (Gerard Pique, John Terry and Nemanja Vidic to name a few) are huge!

For the smaller players, they simply have to hit the turf. Sure, Lionel Messi is slightly under 5'7" and hardly ever takes a dive, but is every player supposed to be as talented as him?

Of course not.

The simple solution: diving. Small players deserve it. It gives them a chance, and everyone deserves an equal chance, right?

It Allows the Big Players to Feel Small

Let's be honest. If the small guys get to dive, then the big guys should get to also, right?

Of course.

It's simple playground logic. If smaller players (Chicharito, Nani etc.) can dive, then bigger players (Didier Drogba, Cristiano Ronaldo, etc.) should be able to feign fouls.

It's only fair. At the end of the day, diving is just trying to make football a level playing field.

Fields Might Be in Poor Condition

Normally, we give the field the benefit of the doubt, but maybe it should be to blame.

When it appears that a player falls unnecessarily, maybe it was the pitch that caused it? We always seem to overlook the fact that players are playing on an imperfect surface. I'm sure the groundskeepers keep the fields as nice as possible, but nothing is infallible.

Perhaps we could start giving these players the benefit of the doubt, huh? If a player falls, maybe it's a divot or a bump in the pitch? I mean, come on, does Old Trafford even look that nice?

Boots Are Too Light

Football is played with your feet. That's a basic concept. For the best players to play their best, they need the best quality boots.

I understand that players want lighter kicks, but 5.3 oz. is simply too light for a cleat (Puma V1.10 SL). As the cleats get lighter, diving becomes more relevant. Players have too good of a feel for the ball and pitch.

It simply isn't comfortable. The players need to hit the turf in order to re-discover their comfort with the pitch.

With such light cleats, players are endangering themselves, and it is only right for them to feign fouls. I demand that these players get heavy-duty cleats once again!

Otherwise, they will have to keep hitting the turf, for it is their only solution to regain a comfortable feel with the turf.

Dider Drogba's Free Kicks

As a Chelsea fan, I will admit that I am biased when discussions come to Didier Drogba. Still, Drogba is, without a doubt, one of the best free kick takers in the world (see left).

Luckily for Chelsea (and his possible new team), Drogba is not afraid to take a dive to get himself in a position to take a free kick. Can the game get any more simple? Purposely do something (dive) to set up the strongest part of your game (free kicks).

Some people despise Drogba. I simply think he is a genius.

Diving Provides More Drama

Everyone loves brilliant acting. Diving requires a great deal of acting. Therefore, fans subconsciously love diving.

It generates rivalries and hatred, which are things that any fan (casual or diehard) can feast off of.

Rivals like Barcelona and Real Madrid already have plenty of reason to hate each other (dominance, pride, legacy, etc.). Then, once players start diving, it gives the clubs (and their fans) even more reason to hate their opponent.

Without players randomly hitting the turf, we would simply be forced to watch the game. Instead of coming from the flailing and flopping, the drama would only come from the players' skill and desire.

Who on earth wants that?

Someone Probably Took a Dive First

Even though players may seem like they hit the turf unnecessarily, you have to think to earlier in the match.

Usually, the high-profile players only take dives after an opposing player does so. Why else would they do it? Players that are so talented (Didier Drogba, Christiano Ronaldo, Thierry Henry etc.) wouldn't dive if others didn't do it first.

Therefore, those players can't be held responsible. Once players start diving, the slippery slope is nearly unstoppable, which is why we can't blame the great players.

In a way, the greats deserve a free pass to earn a free kick. Yes, that makes sense, right?

Cristiano Ronaldo Gets Tired

How often do we see Cristiano Ronaldo make a fantastic before he falls down unnecessarily?

Countless times.

Well, is one of the greatest players in the world not allowed to get tired? When Ronaldo makes such a long run, he deserves a breather. What better way than 45 seconds to line up a free kick? It only makes sense.

Most people disapprove of Ronaldo's antics, but I think the man deserves breaks after dangerous runs. Diving seems to be the only solution.

It Is Better Than a Hand Ball

Just ask anyone from Ireland, Ghana or England. Would they rather see a player dive or a player use their hand? As a general rule, they might pick dive. However, when was the last time a dive cost them World Cup glory?

In theory, a hand ball is an easy thing to call. Sometimes, however, it can get difficult. Diving, on the other hand, can be ignored and allowed without too much damage happening.

As a result, why not allow and accept diving? It is a harmless practice, which is exactly why fans, players and coaches should just accept diving as an intricate part of the game.

Plus, I've never heard of "The Dive of God," have you?