North Carolina Mercy Rule

[Tucker]

North Carolina High School Athletic Association has passed a mercy rule for HS football and basketball. In football, once a team is up by 42 points at half or thereafter, a running clock would be used or game could be stopped with agreement by both teams. In basketball, the same rule applies at 40 points. I think the running clock is a good idea, but game stoppage would keep some players from getting to play that otherwise would get in under blowout conditions. Anyone like to see this for our local states?

[elmo]

North Carolina High School Athletic Association has passed a mercy rule for HS football and basketball. In football, once a team is up by 42 points at half or thereafter, a running clock would be used or game could be stopped with agreement by both teams. In basketball, the same rule applies at 40 points. I think the running clock is a good idea, but game stoppage would keep some players from getting to play that otherwise would get in under blowout conditions. Anyone like to see this for our local states?

we have that here in texas. yes in some cases its worth it, it's hard to see some young kids getting the crap whipped out of them and they can not stop it even with the winning teams subs in. I wittness it several times, not pretty when you see that happening. as for others playing let the coach pull his starters hell they are not doing anything, put the subs in the other team most likely has already done that.

[Sykotyk]

Most states have a 35 or so mercy rule.

Iowa's is very restrictive. Once the 35-point rule goes into effect, the clock doesn't stop except end of the third quarter. So, two minutes left discussing what penalty to call is all on the clock. Ends the game pretty quickly.

And then there's New Mexico.

They have a 50-point sudden death mercy rule. Lead by 50 points in the second half, and the game ends automatically. This is similar to the 45-rule in 6-man football in Texas.

[Winnersville]

I agree with the continuous clock but no to the end of game. Butler needed this a couple times back in our back to back state title runs against a few teams

[Winnersville]

The lopsided games have been occurring a lot in the NCHAA the past 6 years which led to this proposal. Butler has had some games recently where they've won by 60, 58, 63, 63, 51, 67, and 63. Heck we won our 2010 state title game 44-0.

[edrforshey]

Maryland has a 35 point running clock rule after halftime.

Would love to see it in WV, but no ending the game rule, cause that's the point that coaches can get everyone in a game.

[algernonsidney]

Apparently the people who favor the 35-point mercy rule totally forgot about this game.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_Michigan_State_vs._Northwestern_football_game

[Officer Slater]

I know West Virginia uses a running clock in the second half; however, I disagree with ending the game. It hurts other kids's playing time. That's how kids get experience.

[uhs68]

I know West Virginia uses a running clock in the second half; however, I disagree with ending the game. It hurts other kids's playing time. That's how kids get experience.

Actually WV does not allow a running clock. I realize you might have seen this done but officially WV only allows shortening of quarters. And this must be by mutual consent of both coaches. The problem with this is that often the losing coach doesn't want it to appear his team is giving up. Would love to see both Ohio and WV institute a running clock mercy rule. Agree that ending the game is too extreme unless one of the teams has been depleted by injuries

[Officer Slater]

Actually WV does not allow a running clock. I realize you might have seen this done but officially WV only allows shortening of quarters. And this must be by mutual consent of both coaches. The problem with this is that often the losing coach doesn't want it to appear his team is giving up. Would love to see both Ohio and WV institute a running clock mercy rule. Agree that ending the game is too extreme unless one of the teams has been depleted by injuries

Ahh thanks for clearing that up! I've been apart of it (thankfully the winning side) and assumed that WV had that type of rule as well.

[Brewcrew1]

I agree with the continuous clock but no to the end of game. Butler needed this a couple times back in our back to back state title runs against a few teams

If both coaches agree what difference does it make? The rule in North Carolina is reasonable.

[XxPurple ReignxX]

Running clock would be a good idea, I'd say once the lead hits 40.. But I would not be in favor of stopping the game. Takes away valuable playing time from kids that might not normally see it..for both teams.

I think back in 1998 when Ferry beat Fairport Harbor Harding 92-0, FHH's coach declined a running clock in the 2nd half. I also can't remember if there was a running second half clock in 2006, when Ferry beat a team from Canada 72-0. Clearly, a running clock should've been used in both instances.