Is Mercy Rule Automatic or Must Coaches Still Agree on It?

[scobserver]

Found this in the Sonoma Index Tribune about Analy-Sonoma Valley game...


"As the game went on, the Sonoma bench filled with the walking wounded, and halfway through the third quarter, the PA announcer told the crowd that the coaches had agreed that the clock would run for the remainder of the game."


I thought the "mercy rule" is imposed automatically whenever a team gets ahead by 42 points in the second half? (score was 48-7 at halftime). Do I have the details wrong? Or does it still only happen on mutual consent of coaches?

[bella]

You're right it is automatic. 35 points or more to start the 4th qtr. it is automatic. However coaches can agree prior to the 4th qtr. to start a running clock.

Hell Poly had a running clock going and still pounded Compton 99-6! Feel bad for the kids, but Asante is such an ass it's kinda kharna.

Tough call on these type of games. Coaches usually don't want to run up the score, but you start taking a knee at the start of the 3rd qtr. in a blowout that's just as demoralizing.

And coaches that empty their bench, what do you tell that 4th string RB who's busted his ass all year on the scout team? "Run hard, but don't score if you get the chance!"

[scobserver]

Thanks bella, now that I've made a more intelligent google search, I see several references to it.

Can't say it helps much, as the worst routs are out of hand by the 3rd quarter. I agree that taking a knee, especially just before scoring again (apparently what De La Salle does) is even worse than a running clock, but there's no real good solution (other than not scheduling these games to begin with!)

Or, just run a controlled scrimmage, the dominant team gets their "reps" with the back ups, but inferior team does not have a horrific score against them.