Mercy Rule

[M&M Guy]

Yep, here in IL it's 30. I've already had three games this year that have used this running clock in the 4th qtr., and it has worked out well. There seems to be less chance of frustration setting in, and the associated problems with that.

There was a tiny bit of controversy around our area, because a local newspaper writer, who is very knowledgable on HS sports, came out against the mercy rule. His premise was that these kind of games are the only chance the players at the end of the bench (for either team) get to come in and play. This rule just cuts down on the amount of playing time they actually get. The feeling in our local association seems to be that it doesn't have to cut into that time, if the coaches are smart enough to recognize it. I took the time to mention the possibility of the rule to an assistant coach just after halftime of their game (she was taking over for the head coach who was not there because of a personal issue). She was glad I told her about it, because she wasn't even thinking about it, and I think it gave her the chance to get some of these players in.

I think it should be considered in more areas.