What ruling applies if a state association establishes an eight-run or twelve-run mercy rule?

When evaluating the correct ruling regarding the establishment of an eight-run or twelve-run mercy rule by a state association, it is essential to understand the guidelines set by the governing bodies for high school athletics. Typically, the rules for mercy or run limits in games are standardized to ensure consistency and fairness in competition across different states and organizations.

In this context, if a state association establishes either an eight-run or a twelve-run mercy rule, both rules above the standard allowable limits would not align with the established regulations for high school sports. This makes the implementation of custom mercy rules on these specific thresholds unacceptable.

The response indicates that both rules are illegal because they deviate from the standardized mercy rule principles, which are designed to provide a structured approach to managing game durations and ensuring equitable play. The framework eliminates undue variation that could lead to discrepancies in competition or unfair advantages. Therefore, when associations propose rules that exceed these established guidelines, they must be classified as unacceptable under the current operational standards.