Mercy-Rule (American Football)

In American football and Canadian football , the game clock starts with the so-called mercy rule and lets it continue running without regular interruptions , as is otherwise usual. Except team or injury time outs .

In the federal game regulations of the American Football Association Germany , the so-called mercy rule is listed under § 104. This rule comes into effect when a team with more than 35 points leads. It does not apply to games in the licensed leagues. In youth, advanced and women's leagues , the application of the Mercy Rule can be determined by the state associations / game associations.

In college football , there is a similar rule, but is not called Mercy Rule. Accordingly, if both head coaches and the referee agree, a running clock or a shortening of the playing time can be agreed.

In amateur leagues of Canadian football , according to Article 1, Section 5, Article 5 of the amateur rulebook, the Mercy Rule comes into effect as soon as a team with 35 or more points leads during the second half.

Individual evidence

↑ American Football Association Germany e. V .: FEDERAL GAME RULES 2019. American Football Association Germany e. V., December 31, 2018, accessed June 12, 2019 .
↑ College football doesn't have a mercy rule, but you can still cut a blowout short. Retrieved June 14, 2019 .
^ Football Canada with Ryan Hall: Coaching Canadian Football . Ed .: Football Canada. Human Kinetics, Champaign, Illinois 2018, ISBN 978-1-4504-4261-9 , pp. 252 .

[1] American Football Association Germany e. V .: FEDERAL GAME RULES 2019. American Football Association Germany e. V., December 31, 2018, accessed June 12, 2019 .

[2] College football doesn't have a mercy rule, but you can still cut a blowout short. Retrieved June 14, 2019 .

[3] Football Canada with Ryan Hall: Coaching Canadian Football . Ed .: Football Canada. Human Kinetics, Champaign, Illinois 2018, ISBN 978-1-4504-4261-9 , pp. 252 .