Running Clock being proposed in WIAA Executive Assembly

[chseagle]

Decided to browse through the interface called the world wide web, & happened to browse through the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) Website. One of the proposed amendments that's going to be voted upon is to do a running clock for basketball.

"ML/HS AMENDMENT #8
52.7.0 BASKETBALL, page 85 NEW ARTICLE

52.7.0 NFHS Basketball Rule 5-5-3, utilizing a 40-point differential, will apply for all regular season & postseason contests. Beginning in the second
half, if the point differential is 40 points or more, the game clock shall run
continuously for the remainder of the game except for an official’s timeout,
a charged time-out, time between quarters, or the administration of
free throws.
Note: Current 52.7.0 would become 52.8.0
Rationale/Pros/Cons for HS Amendment #8:
1. Establishes a point differential rule in basketball in all classifications.
2. Current NFHS basketball rule 5-section 6-article 3 note allows state associations, by adoption, to modify score clock rules when agreed upon point differentials exist.
3. It is difficult to control team efforts when a contest is no longer competitive. Asking reserves not to give their best effort increases the chance of injury and is humiliating for both teams.
4. Often teams suit up only ten players, which make modifying play more difficult. In addition, many programs play their reserves for two or three quarters in junior varsity games, limiting the possible substitutions that can take place.
5. Non-competitive games compromise the spirit of the game, making it difficult to maintain good sportsmanship by both teams.
6. Preference is to speed up the game clock, rather than to terminate the game."

For those states that do use the running clock rule, what are the pros & cons to it?

What do you think of the running clock?

[drshawnpet]

We don't have the rule in Iowa, and I hope we never adopt it; I can see its usefulness in football, where an inferior team can be physically beaten down. But basketball? No one gets hurt physically by made jumpers and lay-ups. Coaches with big leads can, and typically will, pull off the dogs, play zone, etc. We need to stop worrying so much about 'feelings' -- you can't convince me that a running clock is less humiliating than a 50 point beatdown... sorry, but that happens in sports sometimes -- deal with it! OK need to climb down my soapbox now...

[eyezen]

The only thing I suggest is if they do adopt it make a provision that once its hits 40 do not revert back to regular clock unless by some miracle it drops to say 20 or so. That will prevent the running-not running-running-not running crap.

In Missouri its 30 but will revert to normal clock under 30, so when teams trade buckets its always flip flopping. The game is over by then, just play it out with the clock running.

[Adam]

We use it in our metro league at the jv level. I like it, but not enough to lobby for it.

[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.

[BLydic]

Pennsylvania's mercy rule kicks in at 40 points anytime in the 2nd half. The clock remains running, until the game is over, regardless of the point differential. The only time the clock stops is for an injury, a time-out or after an official reports a foul requiring free throws.

If you're down by 40, everyone wants the game over as soon as possible. This helps.

[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.