[DesMoines]

In Iowa, we have two sanctioning bodies (one for girls, one for boys... I know). This year the boys adopted a mercy rule. The girls opted not to. Go figure. Anyway, the Iowa boys version is:

• 35-point running clock, second half only. If the score margin drops below 25 points, then normal timing will resume for the remainder of the game, or until the 35 point plateau is again reached.

• The clock will run continuously except for the following situations when it will be stopped:

1. Anytime a time-out is charged to a team;

2. Intermission between third and fourth quarter;

3. Anytime officials determine it is necessary for safety reasons.