Mercy! League calls time on big margins

A MERCY rule is being implemented in under 13 football games across the Central Murray Football Netball League (CMFNL) for the first time this season.

The rule has been in place for the first three rounds of the season, with umpires instructed to inform scoreboard attendants and goal umpires to cease scoring if either team achieves a margin of 10 goals or more at any stage during the first three quarters.

CMFNL manager Scott Wishart said the league was following the lead of other controlling bodies across the state in introducing the rule.

“Quite a lot of leagues in Victoria have a mercy rule for their junior grades,” he said.

“We’re always looking at ways to keep juniors in footy and keep them involved and thought this might help.”

Wishart said the rule was voted on by the board at the CMFNL’s annual general meeting and a “wait and see” approach would be taken to any possible adjusting of the rule.

“It’s officially in the by-laws… there may be some tinkering with in the years to come,” he said.

Wishart said the CMFNL had received some mostly positive feedback on the rule so far.

“Most clubs seem to be in support of it, it’s probably more the margin [that will be reviewed],” he said.