Mercy Rule

 

Rule:

 

If any team gains a lead of 45 points or more, each play will count. Mercy rule will apply when there is a 45 point difference. The opposing team that is down receives the ball at 10 yards for Divisions I, II & III and 20 yards for Division IV.

 

Further Definition:

• The team that is losing shall receive the ball on their side of the field.
• They should have to drive the length of the field to score.
• For Division II and III, Associate B through Intermediate, the team losing by 45 or more receives the ball at their own 10 yard line. 
• For Division IV, Senior B & Senior A, the teams losing by 45 or more receives the ball at their own 20 yard line.
• On a 60 yard field, the losing team will have to drive 50 yards to score.
• On a 80 yard field, the losing team will have to drive 70 yards to score.
• On a 100 yard field, the losing team will have to drive 80 yards to score.
• For Division II and III, all plays will count at this time. This includes special teams and point after attempts.
• For Division IV, the clock will run continually, except for Referee and Coach's time outs.

 

The team that is winning can still score a defensive touchdown, i.e. fumble or interception return. In the event the winning team scores, they will have the ability to convert their point after attempt. After a score, the losing team has a choice of either receiving a kickoff or taking the ball on offense at starting point for their division. In the event there is a turnover on the kickoff, the losing team will receive the ball on offense at the starting point for their division.

 

If the losing team cuts the score differential below 45 points, the mercy rule is no longer in effect. However, if the score differential reaches 45 or more, the mercy rule shall go back into affect.

 

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