Pop Warner National rules state that the Mercy rule begins when a team is winning by 28 points or more. The winning team may not pass or run outside the tackles. The clock runs except on timeouts and change of possesions. Now heres where it gets localized. The national rules state the clock will NEVER stop running regardless of the score. Although i have officiated in leagues where the clock returns to normal when the score returns to within 14 points. Now heres where it gets really hairy! Some leagues force the winning team to remove 4 offensive starters (the losing teams coach gets to pick). Also, if the winning team intercepts the ball, the play is immed. blown dead. When in doubt of the rules, follow the national rules or ask the president of the league (usually at the field) if their league deviates from the national rules.
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