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Here is tne info off of the Iowa High School Athletic Associations website:
For Immediate Use 12.19.03
IHSAA MAKES CHANGES IN FOOTBALL
Boone, IA -- Changes are coming in football rules and play-off qualifying for 2004 as a
result of action by the Iowa High School Athletic Association at their Board of Control meeting,
Thursday.
In a unanimous vote the Board mandated a continuous clock in football games when one
team gets a 35-point advantage over its opponent in the second half. The clock would only stop
at the end of the quarter, for time outs, injuries, scores, and safety purposes.
If the margin slips below 35 points, regular timing procedures will take effect. A game
could end under the new rule if the coaches and referee agree that continuing has no purpose or
puts the safety of student-athletes in jeopardy.
Since 1992 football games have ended at halftime or immediately in the second half after
one time took a 50-point lead. The new 35-point rule will allow games to be played to
completion. A similar rule has been implemented in several states including Wisconsin,
Michigan and Missouri.
The new rule was discussed in a meeting of the Football Playoff Advisory Committee,
where it gained favor with coaches and school administrators.
Of the 1,636 regular season games played last fall, 138 were ended by the 50-point rule.
The breakdown by classification was 4A 9; 3A 12; 2A 9; 1A 25; A 28; 8-player 54.
Just two games in the 82 playoff games were ended by the 50-point rule.
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