SectionV Mercy Rule

[DrewVT6]

Should Section V Softball get rid of it's run rule?

[sflcards45]

This rule was implemented in order to stop games from becoming unsportsman-like and to prevent possible problems between teams. A big part of it's being used was that there was a team (I know which team and league, but I'm not going to say it) that was beaten one year by almost a hundred runs in two games by one team - a team which was not very good. This is just one example, but games like this obviously are no fun for either team, and could lead to problems between the two schools. I think it is a very sensible rule.

[FALLBALL]

It's not always about the stats. I think it's a good rule to have.

[sflcards45]

if you want facts on why the rule was put into place..I'd contact the Section V Softball Coordinator

[sflcards45]

If that post seemed a little short or spiteful. Wasn't intended to. I just reread it and realized it may come off that way. Was just trying to help and give some direction in case you were unaware that that would be a good place to start.

[Pinnum]

My experience with softball has made me think of the sport as a pitching dominated sport. I think about the other rules that have are a part of the game, rules like the international 10th inning rule (exact name I do not recall). This rule states that the last batter of the previous inning must start on second base at the start of the next inning. Why would a rule such as this be put into place? Take a look at the sectionals and state and see that with a few exceptions most games are one run games and very low scoring—furthermore extra inning games are of the norm.

Based on this we should understand that a three run game should show a great deal of disparity amongst the two teams. Where in other sports (such as baseball, softball's male counterpart) this would be a good game. One of these reason’s I believe to be due to the field size. In baseball scoring position is second base allowing for two runs to score on a hit. In softball, typically, third base is scoring position which makes it harder to score enough runs to make a comeback.

Take a look at baseball games that are one run games with 10-20 runs being scored on the day. This does not happen if it is a good softball game. So therefore we must conclude that if a team is down by five runs in softball the game is (usually) over. Down by 10 runs in the 5th inning the team is on their way to be embarrassed. This does not help anyone.

In softball a team can be good with one good pitcher and no good fielders.
Also a team can’t be better than average with 8 good fielders and no one that can pitch.
Think about it.

The sport (of softball) is not like baseball and should not be compared to baseball. I don’t agree with a run rule for varsity baseball but I do for softball. With that said, if a score gets out of hand in baseball (I would say 20 runs is more then out of hand) then other teams should standup against it.

[UNCTarheels]

In Baseball. No run rule. In october of 1998, the NYSPHSAA waived baseball's run rule. A league or section may not use the rule without the approval of the NYSPHSAA's governing board. THIS DOES NOT PROHIBIT AN INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL OR COACH ENDING A CONTEST PRIOR TO ITS FULL COMPLETION FOR WHATEVER REASON.

Although it doesn't always happen, COMMON SENSE SHOULD PREVAIL.

I've seen games where it's the bottom of the 5th and home team is winning 8-0 and score 7 runs to end the game, leaving lack of time for some subs to get into the game for more than one at bat. Some not at all.