Mercy Rule

[RobbyinTN]

Here it is 35 point spread in the 4th quarter - clock only stops on time outs and injuries. Once one team gets ahead by 35, the clock continues to run even if it gets closer than 35 at any point in the quarter

[rockyroad]

WA State has a 40 point mercy rule in the second half. Seen it three times this season.

[Adam]

CO has it for conference adoption; 35 points in the 2nd half. Not sure if it's only available for JV, but around here it's only used at the JV level.

[Ptflea2]

I think all mercy rules go into effect only in the second half so the chances of this happening are slim, but has anyone had a team come back and make a game competitive after the running clock takes place? From what I understand, once the mercy rule is a go you can't go back. This true?

I could see a coach getting real upset if his team was storming back, but couldn't get the clock to stop during dead balls.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Ptflea2

I think all mercy rules go into effect only in the second half so the chances of this happening are slim, but has anyone had a team come back and make a game competitive after the running clock takes place? From what I understand, once the mercy rule is a go you can't go back. This true?

I could see a coach getting real upset if his team was storming back, but couldn't get the clock to stop during dead balls.

In some areas, it's reversible. I think here, if it drops back below 35, it stops again as usual.

[26 Year Gap]

Originally Posted by Ptflea2

I think all mercy rules go into effect only in the second half so the chances of this happening are slim, but has anyone had a team come back and make a game competitive after the running clock takes place? From what I understand, once the mercy rule is a go you can't go back. This true?

I could see a coach getting real upset if his team was storming back, but couldn't get the clock to stop during dead balls.

I have had AAU tournaments with 30 points as the margin and if the trailing team got within 20, it would stop the running clock. Never have seen it happen. Ever do those drills under the basket when you get a minute to see how many bunnies you could put in? It would be easier to close a gap if that was allowed, but it isn't, so 25-28 is the most common margin I have seen the gap narrowed to once the clock starts running. Especially if there are only 6 minutes left in the game like last night's contest.

[TwoDot]

In Montana the mercy rule is 40 points in the second half. Clock runs regardless of the score being less than 40 after it starts. Have seen it several times. Even had a team from a neighboring state that liked the rule as they had lost 80 - 8.

[midtnblu]

Originally Posted by RobbyinTN

Here it is 35 point spread in the 4th quarter - clock only stops on time outs and injuries. Once one team gets ahead by 35, the clock continues to run even if it gets closer than 35 at any point in the quarter

also stops on shooting fouls

[RookieDude]

Originally Posted by midtnblu

also stops on shooting fouls

...once the official has REPORTED the foul to the table.

[whistleone]

In Missouri, the clock continues to run during the 4th quarter when one team is leading by 30 or more points. It does stop for timeouts, injured players, technical foul administration, and the occasional free throw if time will expire during said free throw (not an official state adoption but routinely practiced by officiating crews and timekeepers).

[Adam]

Originally Posted by RookieDude

...once the official has REPORTED the foul to the table.

That probably varies by state.

[26 Year Gap]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

That probably varies by state.

Doesn't stop here for fouls. Injuries, which I omitted in an earlier post, would be cause to stop the clock.

[Bad Zebra]

Originally Posted by 26 Year Gap

Doesn't stop here for fouls. Injuries, which I omitted in an earlier post, would be cause to stop the clock.

From the FHSAA officials manual regarding the 35 pt. mercy rule:

The game clock shall be stopped only for timeouts, injuries, administration of technical fouls, or if the officials need to address a situation that requires excessive time to resolve.

[26 Year Gap]

Originally Posted by Bad Zebra

From the FHSAA officials manual regarding the 35 pt. mercy rule:

The game clock shall be stopped only for timeouts, injuries, administration of technical fouls, or if the officials need to address a situation that requires excessive time to resolve.

Haven't had any technical fouls with the running clock so I have not had to deal with it. My bad.

2 running clock games tonight. First one was 72-3. Second one was not as bad, but one team was about 2 for a million from the line and the first half took an hour to play.

[refiator]

Georgia:
End of half with 40+ lead, losing coach must agree to mercy rule. Both 3rd and 4th quarters are shortened to 6 minutes (no running clock)
End 3rd Quarter: 30+ point lead, mandatory mercy rule - 4th quarter shortened to 6 minutes (no running clock)

I wish they'd stick with 8 minute quarters and a running clock.