Question Number: 30562

League Specific 7/3/2016

RE: Rec College

Chloe Theodosiou of Mahopac, New York United States asks...

When I used to play competitive soccer, if a team was leading by 8 points over the other, we ended the game early out of mercy. I am wondering what this is called (if it is real and not just my league) and if it is done in any other level? Any information/comments/inkling would be helpful.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Some high school leagues have some form of a 'mercy rule'. Typically it involves a large score differential (e.g. 8 or 10 goals) and often it is limited to the second half only - they have to play at least the whole first half.

Any games played under the Laws of the Game cannot have a mercy rule. That's not to say some well-meaning groups have not invoked one. But if they do, it's without the knowledge and consent of the governing bodies (IFAB/FIFA --> USSF --> USYS or AYSO or others --> state soccer associations). There is no provision for ending a game early because of the score. It's not one of the modifications that IFAB has allowed for youth soccer.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Chloe
It is not part of the Laws of the Game and some underage leagues introduced this or variations of same to keep the games competitive. There is no name other than they are refereed to as mercy rule or slaughter rule. In one underage league that I know of if a team wins by more than 8 goals it loses a point. That gets the team to focus on not scoring more goals when it gets to lead by say 6 and team say pass the ball more. Another underage league requires that the team when it gets to lead by six goals must substitute two players for 20 minutes.
I personally dont like these competition rules although I can see the reason for them. I think it is better if the winning teams plays it weaker players by making multiple substitutions or plays attackers in defence and vice versa. There is no point in having a game and then ending the game early or limiting the number who can play.

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