....""" SUTTER, Calif. (KCRA) -
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Controversial mercy rule has football parents angry
By Richard Sharp, KCRA 3 Reporter
Published On: Sep 23 2013 10:20:02 AM PDT
The Northern California Federation Youth Football League changed itsso-called mercy rule this season to prevent teamsfrom winning by large margins.
A winning team that violates the mercy rule will now facestiff penalties.
“It’s not hurting thekids, it's teaching them compassionfor theother team,” said Robert Rochin, the deputy commissionerfor the league. “It’s teachingthem sportsmanship."
Ifa team in the league, which has players between the ages of 7 and 13, wins by 35 points or more, the coach getsa one-week suspension and the team getsfined $200.
Last year, teams that brokethe rule got a warning and had tosubmit a letter explaining what they did to keep thescore low.
Someplayers and parents said the moreaggressive mercy rule is hurting theteam and the players' development.
“Now they are afraid theircoaches are going to get suspendedand they are not going to have a coach to come out here and play football,”said Kelly McHugha concernedparent.
McHugh’s son is thekicker for the Sutter Huskiesand said the rule meansher son isn't doing as much on thefield.
“I can’t kickfield goals or practice my field goals,” said JamesMcHugh, 13.
Someparents said the mercy rule also puts players who are holding back at a higher risk of injury.
“Thekids who are in the position of trying to protecttheircoach are backing off and are at a higher risk of being injured,” said Brent Moore, the fatherof a player on the Sutter Huskies.
Butleague officials said that last year theyrecorded morethan30 mercy rule violations, which is why theychose to stiffenthe penalties.
“We lose a lot of football players because theirteams loseso badly,” said Rochin. “If they are constantly gettingbeat, who wants to play anymore? We losekids all season long because of that.”......Our poor wittle baaaabies ;-( Smdh...

""" “It’s not hurting thekids, it's teaching them compassionfor theother team,” said Robert Rochin"""<<<Big pus.sy

@WalkSoftly1: I did not hear this... But The Mercy Rule, sounds like insanity. Sports were never intended to be an EQUALIZER . But COMPETION , win or loose, in a sportsman's /sportwoman's fashion. So what 's next ? That standards will continue to drop...& they do not have to keep their grades up ? Geez. * Here's a thought.. Lets give all the pros from ping pong to football , equal pay. And all those in office from city to goverment... & last but not least every anchor on radio & Tv... ( like Sharpten ) eaqual pay... & see if that equalizes them as well as TEACHES them something ! lol *

@Zilya777: Remember that "me generation" u talked abt in that other thread? More of that, for the parents anyway....they dont want poor lil Johnny upset that he got his ass kicked I suppose....to hell with working hard and getting better I guess.

Another ridiculous rule. I agree with Zilya...its a competition...its a GAME....let them play

@WalkSoftly1: All children should learn healthy competion & to work hard. If our kids do not or aren't good at something.... Then parents should fine something for their kids. And what the h*ll will happen when these " cuddeled to children " are actually out & about in the real world ? The psycological shock of workforce polotics... Could push them right over. And yes, I think the parents attitude of " it is all about me " plays a huge part in this. God forbid... Jonny did not make the team, " what will the neighbors think .? "

How about teaching little johny that sometimes in life you get your ass kicked and you have to learn to deal with it

@WalkSoftly1: Oh what the f*ck! We find at least 2 mutual band wagons (& rant possiblities ) & you can not post ... * Somebody call my lawyer, idk what happened, but im disappointed. How much is bail ? Anyone ? *

Should be that way. Certainly used to be. In my school yrs.. Girls could not be on ANY hockey team (not in the mid Atlantic region ) So I played street hockey on skates, w/a left handed stick (my momdid not know the difference :) And did other things... Art school, gymnastics, volleyball, riding lessons. And I excepted it ( so did my father...lol )

@Zilya777: p.ssification of ..........what an apropo thread! no bail...key thrown away. Gonna be awful here for a few weeks...cats away so all the lil squeaky mice will come out to play!