FOOTBALL

Approved Ruling 35 POINT RULE

Activities Manual: Football Page : 9

A running clock will be used at all classes, for regular-season and playoff games, whenever a 35-point differential in score is reached after the first half of play. The clock will run continuously except during called timeouts; the break between the third and fourth quarters and following a score; during penalty enforcement; and for safety reasons, such as injuries. Normal timing procedures resume if the point differential is reduced to less than 35 points. (The 35-point rule is optional for non-varsity competition.)

The running time after the first half:

Anytime the score differential reaches 35 points or more:

Beginning with the ensuing kick-off the following changes, and only these will be made regarding rules determining when the clock will and will not be stopped. The clock will run continuously except for the following situations when it will be stopped:

1. Any time-out charged to a team (re-start with the ensuing snap).
2. After a score (restart clock with the ensuing kick-off when legally touched by R, or by the ensuing snap – kick out-of-bounds or a touchback).
3. During penalty enforcement (re-start with ready for play).
4. Intermission between the 3^rd and 4^th quarter (re-start with snap).
5. Extended injury time-out – only if the coach has to come onto the playing field– (re-start with the ready for play).
6. Anytime officials deem it necessary for safety reasons (re-start with ready for play).
7. Normal clock operating procedures will resume when a team scores to make the point differential less than 35 points.

Note: In accordance with Rule 3-1-3, any remaining periods may be shortened or terminated by mutual agreement between the opposing coaches and the referee.