I am sorry, I misunderstood you then. I heard similar things near the end of the season about this rule. As I said coaches did not like the rule because a lot of their players would not get a chance to play other than the starters and main bench players. For tournaments the rule is really only there to keep the tournament moving with multiple games being played in one day. It is also an option for the tournament directors. The schools involved do not have any say in whether this rule is used or not.

Peace

Mercy Rule
 

Was at the Rules Interp at Stevenson last night (Stevenson's Boys Varsity Coach was there too). Anyway, the rationale for keeping it for the early season tourneys was just to keep the games on schedule.

We were also told that if the Coaches' Box is not marked on the floor, it didn't exist. If they want to use tape to mark it, that's fine, but if it isn't there the coaches get to sit. We were also told not to mark it ourselves "if we don't have time". If we're there 15 minutes before game time, go ahead and help out, but don't go to the captains meeting and then hurry to mark the floor. Just tell them that without markings, no box. If they hurry up and get it done before game time, that's cool.

Small Schools
 

Suggestions on the coaching box in cracker box gyms?

Re: Small Schools
 

None were made last night. I'd give some leeway, assuming that's how everyone in the are is calling it.