Mismatched Games Guidance
At some point in your coaching career, you are likely play an overmatched opponent. Here’s some tips and rules to follow in these games.
They may be missing players, having a bad day, or perhaps be in the wrong division. Whatever the cause, your team clearly and significantly overmatches them that day.
FCYBL has two rules that apply to mismatches:
- VHSL Mercy rule allows for a running clock when the lead reaches 30 points, in the second half, should both coaches agree.
- FCYBL forbids winning by a margin of more than 40 points under the premise that it is poor sportsmanship and it does very little to develop player skills. FCYBL has adopted penalties to deter coaches: The first violation results in a one-game suspension for the head coach, the second results in a forfeit loss and a two-game suspension, and the third also results in a forfeit and a head coach suspension for the remainder of the season.
So what should you do in a mismatched game?
- Recognize that you are in a mismatch
- Manage your pace of scoring
- Reduce your defensive pressure
- Always be respectful of opponent and the game
Also posted on the FCYBL.org website under “Documents”
