[Thunderball]

Three options when a blowout is occuring (these are applicable in Soccer or Hockey)

1. Juggle positions (goalie plays forward, a forward plays goal defenders play midfield, defenders play forward, backup goalie goes in, etc.)

2. Let the weaker players have the majority of playing time. (Usually the opposite occurs when the team is losing, so why not)

3. Make rules for goals... must have x passes, attempt long shots only, one-timers only, etc.


Pulling the goalie and leaving the net empty is probably the most insulting thing a coach can order. I've never seen it personally. The second worst thing is to line everyone along the middle and hem the other team in. Thats not really a game anymore either.

For Soccer, I think the mercy rule is that a blowout is recorded 5-0. If a team wins 12-1, the recorded score is often either 5-0 or 5-1. I've never seen a game called off cause the other team was up by 5-7. Sometimes the other team forfeits, but that's rare.