COLUMBUS, Ohio – A “mercy rule” of sorts will be in effect with the new high school football season in Ohio.
The Ohio High School Athletic Association has adopted a football “point-differential rule” for this fall that will provide for a running clock in most instances after a team takes a 30-point lead in the second half.
The sanctioning body added the rule after consultation with the state’s football coaches association.
The rule is meant to speed up lopsided games and protect players from injury and is used by many states.
Previously, games could be shortened by mutual agreement of both head coaches.
“This takes the decision-making situation out of it for the coaches. That is often a tough situation for a coach to be in. Now, they can point to the rule instead of having to make that decision” says Beau Rugg, the OHSAA’s assistant commissioner in charge of football, wrestling and all officiating.
Under the new rule, after a team’s lead reaches 30 points in the second half, the game clock will stop only for a team or official’s timeout, the end of a period or when someone scores. It will start again for the next play and will continue to run in all other situations.
If the lead drops below 30 points, the clock reverts to regular timing.
Rugg says the OHSAA will keep an eye on how the rule affects games.
Unlike changes to the bylaws or OHSAA constitution, like a competition bylaw adopted earlier this month, changes to sport-specific and general sports regulations do not need a vote by member schools, just approval from the board of directors.