Got into a big discussion with one of our local umpire association's leaders regarding NFHS rule 4-2-4. The rule states that unless the state association has adopted other game ending procedures, the game can be ended before five innings with consent of both coaches and the umpires.
The umpire I was talking to says that in Illinois we have "adopted" the 10-run mercy rule as the "game ending procedure". I said that the IHSA has not officially declared that this is the only game ending procedure, but that they have merely acknowledged NFHS rule 4-2-2.
States such as Missouri and Ohio have explicitly declared game ending procedures. In the case of Ohio, they say that 4-2-4 can be used, but only during the regular season. Missouri has an optional 2 1/2 hour time limit.
Having not said anything about 4-2-4 or offered alternate game ending procedures, can we not use 4-2-4 as a legitimate game ending procedure?
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