IHSAA adopts ‘mercy rule’ for 2019 Football

IHSAA Statement: The rule, which goes into effect this fall, was a joint effort with the Indiana Football Coaches Association to expedite the conclusion of football contests when a certain point differential is reached. With Monday’s vote, when the point differential reaches 35 points in the second half, the game clock will convert to a running clock with the exception of timeouts, scores, and/or injuries. Once implemented, the clock may not revert back to
standard timing regardless of the score and coaches will not have the ability to override the implementation of the mercy rule. The 40-second play clock will remain in effect throughout the contest.

(IHSAA.org, 2019)