NFHS NEWS RELEASES
Elimination of Clipping in Free-Blocking Zone Continues Risk Minimization in High School Football
MERCY RULES IN EFFECT
The ASAA Board adopted a policy, which mandates that a running clock be used once an established point spread is reached at a certain point in a football, hockey, basketball or softball game. Mercy Rules for each sport are as follow:
• Football — Upon reaching a 35 or more point differential at the end of the third (3rd) period or thereafter, a running clock will be used.
• Hockey — Upon reaching a 10 or more goal differential at the end of the second (2nd) period or thereafter, a running clock will be used.
• Basketball — Upon reaching a 40 or more point differential at the end of the third (3rd) quarter or thereafter, a running clock will be used.
• Softball — The game shall end when either team is 15 runs behind after 3 innings, 12 runs behind after 4 innings, or 8 runs behind after 5 innings.