Mercy rule in dodgeball?
It's been something that we've discussed as the years have gone on in our league, but I think it's time we bring it back up; and that is having a mercy rule in our games. At one point I was against it... but now I think it's time we adapt some form of mercy rule.
When the league first started out, all of the teams were pretty much in the same boat in that they had only been around four a couple of years. Even the teams that had their clubs established were still getting used to the thought of playing competitively. The only time games were really lopsided was when someone played Oakland. So a mercy rule would have rarely been used anyways.
Now, however I think that we are at a point that it should be implemented. There are teams that are taking part in their fifth season in our league while others are just hoping to survive through their first season. Other than at the Michigan Dodgeball Cup this past weekend, there have been more blowouts than close games.
Why do I think a mercy rule should take place? Take a look at Henry Ford's game against Saginaw Valley last semester. The score was at least 14-0 (I think it was 16.) Did it effect HFCC to get beat that bad? I can't say for sure that it did, but let's look at a few things. Last semester their club was only a few weeks old and they were able to take 14 players and a coach to Saginaw to play us. Now, they have been canceling games and not able to go to a big tournament. Is it just coincidence that they can't find players now?
Plus, it sets up the danger of teams trying to top one another to set a record. Now that teams know we beat a team 16-0, if someone is beating a team 11-0, they are going to keep playing full throttle until they get 17.
So, the solution? My idea would be that once a team gets up on another team by 10 or more points the score freezes. The game keeps going on, but when a team wins a point it is not added. It's simple, and it doesn't make a big deal out of the score like completely stopping a game would.
There may be other options out there... but this would be effective, and most importantly simple.
posted by Murph @ 8:15 PM
6 Comments
6 Comments:
After getting destroyed by GVSU 15-0 two years ago at the Kentucky Classic, I would definitely support a mercy rule. Whether or not they like to admit it, teams are mentally affected after getting crushed like that. It destroys their confidence and makes new players think that the game is not worthwhile. I think we also need to keep in mind that a certain level of class and proper sportmaship is most important. If you're up 10-0, you should be milking the clock, not pushing the pedal to the floor.
Dodgeball isn't like other sports when it comes to 'milking the clock.' You can't run between the tackles or put in your third string quarterback (maybe if the roster size was increased). If someone throws a ball at you and you're up 12-0, what are you supposed to do, let it hit you? Are you supposed to also throw balls trying not to hit anyone? That's not helping either club. As for class and sportsmanship, I can guarantee you no one is 'pushing the pedal to the floor' when they are up by more than 3 or 4 in this league.
In HFCC's current state, I have to agree with the mercy rule right now, plus the fact that we dont really keep individual stats. And in HFCC's defense, we only lost 2 people because they were embarressed. The rest were injuries and work.
You don't have to let a ball hit you or make crappy throws, just play defense. Make one throw to reset the shot clock but just chill otherwise. There's no need to be up at halfcourt pressing the other team or trying to maintain an uptempo game. Hang back and rest you arms and work on your blocking skills. It's a win-win.
I find it very interesting that this topic is being discussed. Was it not SVSU that earlier this year bragged about setting a new NCDA record by most points in a game against HFCC with 16...i mean if people are going to focus on GVSU as running up a clock make sure to look at the entire picture. To my knowledge this was there only REAL game so far. Also, how much do you think the rule is actually put into place. At MDC games were extremely close AND FUN! Even when playing GVSU and teams were down the games were not being pushed. Anyone watching would have noticed lots of laughs and good times spent by all, i would not define those games as being pushed or running up the clock. This league was created to have fun and to recreate a childhood game that represents that too. Lets not forget that idea and when a game comes just HAVE FUN and play the game. Dont start fights run up the clock or anything else stupid, just have fun ad be good sports. The league is just developing there is no reason to create a rule for every problem we see right now, some things just need to be worked out by developing teams more.
I also think it's interesting to note that it is teams like Henry Ford and Western Kentucky that would favor this rule, and they are the ones that know what it feels like to lose 15-0 or more.
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