extended playing time

English

Noun

extended playing time (uncountable)

1. (sports) In a one-sided sporting contest, when junior varsity players (i.e., second- and third-string players) play a majority of a varsity game.

   Once the No. 1 team football built an early 56-0 lead in the game against their weak opponents, the coach - wanting to spare the opponent further embarrassment, to keep his top players from being injured and sensing his own younger players needed experience - decided to give his reserves some well-deserved extended playing time.