Mercy Rule

[jTheUmp]

So the Ohio interpretation is different then the Minnesota interpretation/state adoption.

That's an Ohio problem, not an NFHS problem. I wish you the best of luck in getting it rectified.


Of course, there's always the other "game ending trick" that you could use... The losing coach could decide to forfeit the game on the spot. (I don't recommend this of course, but the option is there).

[bigjohn]

I have no idea if that is the official OHSAA interpretation. I know they have been told no running clock and that was voted on by principals and ADs. Not by coaches.

[maven]

Originally Posted by bigjohn

I have no idea if that is the official OHSAA interpretation. I know they have been told no running clock and that was voted on by principals and ADs. Not by coaches.

It is true that a running clock is NOT permissible. The Ohio interp states that the coaches may agree to shorten any period: we can play 2 or 6 or 9 minutes, for example, instead of 12.

I once shortened a fourth quarter to 30 seconds in a JV game on a hot day where 3 kids from the visiting team had already passed out from the heat. Ran one more play and went home. It was my first year, and I mistakenly thought that we could not terminate the game.

[csb1971]

Did have a case last year where both sides agreed to a running clock as a response to an "emergency situation." Subvarsity game in November up in the mountains with the snow falling hard on a field with no lights. Played 10 minute stop clock quarters in the first half and then 10 minute quarters with a running clock in the second half.

[asdf]

Originally Posted by maven

It was my first year, and I mistakenly thought that we could not terminate the game.

You cannot terminate the game in this situation. It's up to the coaches.

They both have to agree. Once they do, then the officials should agree as well.

[Robert Goodman]

Originally Posted by asdf

You cannot terminate the game in this situation. It's up to the coaches.

They both have to agree. Once they do, then the officials should agree as well.

But if they agree, does it bring down hell on both of them, as implied upthread? Or does that happen only if only one of them wants to end the game?

[asdf]

Originally Posted by Robert Goodman

But if they agree, does it bring down hell on both of them, as implied upthread? Or does that happen only if only one of them wants to end the game?

Agreeing to end a game prematurely and forefeiting a game are two different animals.

Only one will have consequences.

[Robert Goodman]

Originally Posted by asdf

Agreeing to end a game prematurely and forefeiting a game are two different animals.

Only one will have consequences.

Then what about failure to play within two minutes after being ordered to do so by the referee, which accomplishes the same thing? Does that one have consequences or not?