ESPN segment on NV Mercy Rule

[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!