IHSAA Approves Football Mercy Rule

There will be less suffering for players, coaches and fans during blowouts starting with the 2019-20 season.

Photo by Sandy Mahoney.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) – Indiana high school football teams will have a few new rules to abide by this fall.

The Indiana High School Athletic Association approved several new rules on Monday, including a new football mercy rule.

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.

When a team goes up by 35 points in the second half, the game clock will convert to a running clock with the exception of timeouts, scores or injuries. Once implemented, the clock may not revert back to a standard timing regardless of score and coaches will not have the ability to override the mercy rule clock

The IHSAA also approved a modification to Tournament Success Factor. The modification lowers the number of points needed (from 3 points to 2 points) by a school already playing in a higher classification to continue playing in that same class for another two years.

The rule up to this point had required three points (two sectional titles and a regional title) to continue in that class.

Another amendment would have fans ejected from a game suspended from attending the school’s next home game. A second ejection would result in a two-game suspension.

For more information on rule changes for the 2019-2020 school year, visit www.ihsaa.org.

More from Local Sports


Events

Local Student Funds Own Trip to Space Camp

You may have purchased a treat for your dog at Market on the Square.

Brookville Lake 50th Anniversary Celebration Set for July 25

Festivities include a ceremony, parade and live music.

Blood Drive Happens July 29 in Napoleon

Appointments can be made online.

Freudenfest Twister Lauf 5K Supports OA Student Athletes

The 5K takes place on Saturday, July 19.

Lawrenceburg Girls Soccer Wins Team of the Year Award

The Tigers were recognized at the Cincinnati Enquirer High School Sports Awards on Wednesday.

On Air

Chelsie playing
Brooks & Dunn - That's What It's all About

Dierks Bentley Gone 7:22
Travis Tritt Between an Old Memory and Me 7:18
Trace Adkins Honky Tonk Badonkadonk 7:09
Dustin Lynch Easy to Love 7:06