Indiana passes mercy rule for football, suspensions for ejected fans

From the IHSAA

Indiana’s athletic association on Monday adopted a new mercy rule in football and gave schools the power to suspend unruly fans.

The mercy rule goes into effect this fall. It was a joint effort with the Indiana Football Coaches Association to expedite the conclusion of football games. When the point differential reaches 35 points in the second half, the game clock converts to a running clock with the exception of timeouts, scores or injuries.

Once implemented, the clock may not revert back to standard timing regardless of the score. Coaches will not have the ability to override the implementation of the mercy rule, and the 40-second play clock will remain in effect throughout the game.

A second change approved Monday relates to fan conduct. When a fan is ejected from a contest, they also will be suspended from attending the school’s next home contest. A second ejection results in suspension from the next two home contests.

Read more from the Indianapolis Star.