MERCY RULE
Games that are Lopsided
Woodland Soccer would like each game to be balanced and competitive. Not all games are this way. Some teams are much stronger than their opponent and begin scoring many, many goals. Once the lead is unsurmountable, often the losing team becomes dejected and the cycle continues. In an attempt to not discourage both teams from competing, a Mercy Rule should be used.
If the score becomes greater than 5 goals, the losing team may place an additional player on the field. This is done by telling the referee and the other coach of what is happening. The other coach may recind this extra player if the score differential falls below 5 goals.
This rule is an attempt to clarify a tool that may be used to balance a game. In the past, enacting this has been awkward for both coaches.
This rule is new for 2012. This rule should be enforced at Woodland Soccer Club home games at Wallingford and Green Lake. Though, it may not be enforced at the home fields of other clubs.