When considering how to reduce blowouts in games in which one team is clearly outmatched, the league had recommended that players on the team with the higher score play short-handed, kick with their weaker foot or play positions that they have less experience playing to even out the score. (Canadian Press)

An Ottawa children's recreational soccer league has pulled back from a controversial mercy rule under which any team that outscores its opponent by more than five goals is declared the loser.

The Gloucester Dragons Recreational Soccer league had put the rule in place earlier this season in an effort to do away with teams running up the scores, said league chairman Sean Cale in a statement to parents and coaches on Wednesday.

Cale gave the example of one game in the 2009 season that ended with a score of 18-0.

But parents, coaches and players had complained that the rule took the fun out of the game and forced better teams to pull back and hold the ball until the end of the game if they had a five-goal lead.

In response to the feedback, the league decided to get rid of the rule, which will be rescinded starting June 14.

In its place, a new mercy rule will be instituted under which a game will be called once one team has a lead of eight goals. Whichever team is ahead at that time will be credited with the win, Cale said. Teams can then play on if they wish for player development, wrote Cale.

"The main intent is to keep the focus on recreational soccer, respect for opponents and skill development for all players," said Cale. "Running up the score or consistently driving hard against a team that is clearly overmatched serves no purpose for anyone."

Bruce Cappon and his son, Kevin, one of 3,000 players in the league's 200 teams for children and youth age five to 18, were among the first to voice their displeasure over the rule change.

In a letter to Cale on Thursday, they said they were pleased with the league's decision.

"We commend the board on their decision to implement both short- and long-term improvements," they wrote.

The five-goal mercy rule will remain in effect until June 14, Cale said.