ESPN segment on NV Mercy Rule

[ChuckS]

Originally Posted by Adam

I read the article far enough to know two things.

1. Nevada overreacted to a "problem." Probably because people who make decisions have bad memories from getting beat badly when they were young. They would have been better with one of the following options.
a) Just end the game when the differential reaches 50 points. That's what the mercy rule is in football in some states.
b) Just let the running clock be sufficient; there's something to be learned when you get beat, let the kids learn.

2. I had to quit reading when it felt like it was spending too much time singing the praises of coach Karen and what she'd accomplished. I don't really feel sorry for teams that are just too good.

I agree, just a really stupid rule. Let the clock run, let the final margin be what it will be, and the kids on the losing team will be far less embarrassed, compared to having to stand around watching the winning team intentionally try NOT to score.

This is why the NV rule makes no sense. There is no way anyone can demonstrate that losing by 55 points is any more demeaning than losing by 50. And 60 is no worse than 55, and so on. . . . .They picked a completely arbitrary number of 50, and it is causing more problems than it intended to solve.

The NV rule actually causes teams to have to violate the spirit of the NFHS rule against an "actionless contest".

[Adam]

Originally Posted by ChuckS

The NV rule actually causes teams to have to violate the spirit of the NFHS rule against an "actionless contest".

That rule was disposed of long ago.

The current "actionless contest" doesn't apply, spirit or letter, because the clock is running.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Adam

The current "actionless contest" doesn't apply, spirit or letter, because the clock is running.

10-1-5 A team shall not: Allow the game to develop into an actionless contest, this includes the following and similar acts: a. When the clock is not running ...

Originally Posted by Adam

That rule was disposed of long ago.

Yep. It's the old actionless contest rule. The oldest rule in the book. Fools 'em every time.

Team behind had to force the action. If the offense, move the ball past the twenty-eight foot hash mark (some old gyms still have these hash marks). If the defense, move out to force a closely guarded situation. If tied, force the defense to move out to force a closely guarded situation.

Proper mechanic was for the both officials (no three person back then) to tell the responsible team to "Play ball" and point the direction that responsible team was supposed to move.

Penalty for noncompliance was a team technical foul after one verbal ("Play ball") warning per period.

Hey Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.: Did I describe the rule correctly? Now, where did I put my reading glasses?

[ChuckS]

Last time I will post about a rule without looking it up first - LOL!
Rookie mistake!