Moe wrote:The Bedge wrote:Alright so this might be met with some push back, but I seriously think in lower grades that don’t have score or ladders, there should be a “mercy rule” for one sided game. Restart after a goal with an opposition free kick in the middle or something.
Kids might not be playing for points or wins but some kids just enjoy actually getting a kick or running around near the ball at least.
It is up to the team manager of either side to approach the other team manager, who then, if both agree it is one sided, approach the umpires at the next quarter break.
The umpires then will start all centre bounces by handing the ball to the ruckman of the losing side. If it stays very lopsided, they can move the bounce to centre half forward of the losing team.
This is how it went when I was coaching under 12's anyway.
The question has been asked, how do you know the score, if scores arent kept?
Trust me, scores are kept. They are just not official, or published.
One thing I'd like to see with the mercy rule is that the 6 6 6 is still enforced even though the mercy rule is in place. What seems to be happening is that opposition flood back, losing all structure. Coaches from opposition teams have said to our coaches that they won't enforce the mercy rule for that exact reason - they lose structure. Take the mercy rule out of it for a second, if in general play a team runs out of the backline, they have structure going forward. With the mercy rule that doesn't and can't happen (currently).