If a team has a 20-point lead any time during the game, the scorekeeper shall notify the referee to implement the mercy rule. The team with the lead cannot employ full-court or half-court pressure and must play defense with both feet inside the 3-point area at all times. The clock will run at all times, except for time-outs, until the difference is 10 points or less.
If the mercy rule is in effect at the start of, or any time during the 5th period, it is recommended for the opposing coach to select a maximum of 3 players to sit out the balance of the game or until the difference in the score of the game is 10 points or less. Eligible substitutes must be available, and the removal of players cannot force a team to play with fewer than 5 players.
Penalty - 1st offense = warning, 2nd offense = technical foul.