Running Clock being proposed in WIAA Executive Assembly

[chseagle]

Originally Posted by rockyroad

One of the reasons they are looking at the "mercy rule" is that WA adopted the shot clock in boy's basketball this season - we have had it in girl's games for quite some time. So the team that is way ahead can't simply pull the ball out and work on their stall, or use lots of clock on each possession. If they don't shoot, it's a turnover - no coach is going to let that happen.

Worst game I have ever had was a girl's Varsity game - final score was 110-11. Mercy rule would have made it more like 60-10. Easier to swallow for everyone involved.

RockyRoad,

Since Washington's using the shot clock for Boys' now, what's been your thought of it. Has it helped speed up games?

What are your overall thoughts of the proposal of the mercy rule with the 40 point differential in the 2nd Half? Should it stay running even if the score gets closer or keep the running clock throughout no matter the score?

I had a game earlier in GV where the final score was 68-8.

[walter]

DE has the mercy rule. It only kicks in if the point differential is 35 points or more in the 4th quarter only. It reverts back to stop clock if the lead falls back to 25 points. it is not used in the State Tournament. Once the rule kicks in, the clock only stops for timeouts.

[rockyroad]

Originally Posted by chseagle

RockyRoad,

Since Washington's using the shot clock for Boys' now, what's been your thought of it. Has it helped speed up games?

What are your overall thoughts of the proposal of the mercy rule with the 40 point differential in the 2nd Half? Should it stay running even if the score gets closer or keep the running clock throughout no matter the score?

I had a game earlier in GV where the final score was 68-8.

I'm not sure that the shot clock has really had that big of an impact. Most of the boys teams in this area want to play up-tempo anyway (whether they have the talent or not!)...so I guess my feelings are mixed. I don't mind it, but I'm not completely sold on it either.

As for the "mercy rule", we need it. Especially in the smaller classifications there are some very lopsided games and I think this would help with some of the garbage that goes on late in those games. The WIAA instituted the same type of rule in football this past fall, and the team I coach was on both sides of the "mercy" one time each...it was very good to have.

[chseagle]

Originally Posted by rockyroad

I'm not sure that the shot clock has really had that big of an impact. Most of the boys teams in this area want to play up-tempo anyway (whether they have the talent or not!)...so I guess my feelings are mixed. I don't mind it, but I'm not completely sold on it either.

As for the "mercy rule", we need it. Especially in the smaller classifications there are some very lopsided games and I think this would help with some of the garbage that goes on late in those games. The WIAA instituted the same type of rule in football this past fall, and the team I coach was on both sides of the "mercy" one time each...it was very good to have.

Well one thing I've noticed is that for the Boys' games the scores are a bit higher than in the past cause of the addition of the shot clock.

Concerning the smaller classifications, I know what you mean. That GV game where the score ended 68-8 was between 2 1A teams. However, one team had talent throughout the team, while the other team had only one player that had any real good potential.

[TwoDot]

In Montana, the rule is running clock after 40 points in the 2nd half. Does not change if the score goes under 40. Has not been a problem, but has helped prevent very lopsided scores in the lower classes. I feel that it has helped prevent the hard fouls and upset players just by shortning the game. I have only worked two games that have used this rule out of 90 in the last 2 years. I would say that it has not been disruptive and is probably a good tool.

[Scuba_ref]

Having officiated in Montana (with mercy rule) and now in Washington State (without mercy rule), I hope that WA adopts the mercy rule. I often get the "let's keep the clock moving" sense communicated either verbally or with body language from both coaches, administrators and the one knowledgeable fan in the crowd during blowouts.

[ref2coach]

I have a philosophical problem with "mercy rules".

Mercy is a virtue that can be exhibited voluntarily by the players and coaches. The best way to keep the clock running is for the team in the lead to run a motion or active 4 corners type offense with out attempting to score.

Having a rule making body impose "mercy" by "rule" is an inappropriate intrusion by the governing authority.

jmo

[Adam]

We can call it something else if it makes you feel better.