Recently, we encountered a game in which a coach made the decision not to play the third period and therefore did not complete the game. At the time of this decision, the score had not reached the level of a mercy rule, nor was there any visible reason to discontinue play.
Please note that the following rules apply to situations such as this:
NFHS Rule Book
Refusal to start or continue play: There shall be no refusal by a coach or team personnel to obey the decision of the referee.
Penalty: Forfeiture, with the score recorded as 1–0.
Officials Handbook
Before a game is terminated, the host school management has full responsibility for determining whether conditions warrant postponing or starting a game/meet. However, once a game/meet/event has started, the officials have jurisdiction over whether the game is terminated prematurely. Termination of a game, once started, is not the prerogative of a coach or school management. Removing a team from an event prior to the conclusion of the game, regardless of circumstances, will result in severe punitive actions by the NJSIAA Controversies or Executive Committee.
Procedure for Officials:
If you encounter a situation such as the one described above, you are to inform the individual(s) refusing to play that failure to complete a contest carries severe follow-up action from the NJSIAA.
If, after this notification, the team does resume play within three (3) minutes, a major penalty shall be issued.
If the team continues to refuse to play, the game shall be declared a forfeit, and the score recorded as 1–0. Game reports will be required by assigned officials and submitted to league organizers and NJSIAA
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.