In ND: +30 in the second half. Continues to run during OOB, incomplete pass, try and first downs (just added this year). It works pretty well and everyone seems to agree it is worthwhile.

We had quite a few. The most frustrating game we had was a 57-31 masterpiece that got to 34 points in the third quarter and never got closer than the 26 point final margin. The game ran 2:55 and we ended up with at least 4 UNRs and one UNS in the fourth quarter.

Only one game left (actually 2 as we're working a game between two 1-7 teams tonight), so we'll see how that one goes.

Why the need for the running clock when one can shorten the game directly? Even in Ohio (where the OP mentioned there's no running clock mercy rule), the coaches can agree to shorten the game or end it at any time. I heard of one game in these parts where they ran 8 minute quarters for the 3rd and 4th a couple weeks ago. If that's not enough, shorten it to 4 minutes or just call the game completely.

CAN being the operative word.

As I stated earlier, some coaches want to teach their kids some weird, twisted lesson. Some don't think to mention it. Some are job scared and don't want to show the faithful that they are "giving up". A state mandated rule makes it easy for them and us.

We had a game a few seasons ago where the score was 56-0 at halftime. The visiting team had about 16 players and a few were injured in the first half.

EVEN WITH A RUNNING CLOCK, the visiting team wanted to shorten the quarters. The home team coach was annoyed at this and I had to mediate this. Personally, I didn't care one way or the other, but it was an unpleasant thing.

Imagine if we had to deal with this every week just to have a running clock.

I like the running clock rule, but the 35 point margin shouldn't be the only thing that dictates clock mechanics. If a team pulls to 34 with 6 minutes left, the clock should still run.

The use of this rule does not preclude the use of NFHS Rule 3-1-3, which
reads: “A period or periods may be shortened in any emergency by agreement of
the opposing coaches and referee. By mutual agreement of the opposing coaches
and the referee, any remaining periods may be shortened at any time or the game
terminated.”


That is my question, is one team getting beat the EMERGENCY that this rule was written for?? It says periods may be shortened in an emergency by mutual agreement of the coaches and the referee. 3 people have to agree that one team getting their lungs kicked in is an emergency!!

I think the running clock is a better option. I've seen both teams play their subs and they get playing time. I don't think playing time should be taken away from the kids. We had a team in NW Minnesota which won something like 60 straight games. In the second half they were playing their subs and that is how they got experience for their younger kids. If the game was over, those kids wouldn't get to play. If they practice all week long, they should get a chance to play a game.

There are two separate statements in that rule:

"A period or periods may be shortened in any emergency by agreement of
the opposing coaches and referee."
Last year I had a 2nd quarter that ended with 35 seconds left because of a player injury that necessitated calling an ambulance. Two years ago I had a varsity game that ended with 1:20ish left due to an ambulance call. I'd say these constitute "emergencies" for purposes of this rule.

"By mutual agreement of the opposing coaches and the referee, any remaining periods may be shortened at any time or the game terminated."
No emergency required here. If the two coaches agree to shorten the game in whatever manner they wish, I'd find it highly unlikely that the referee would disagree.



Rule 1-7 mentions allowed state association adoptions.
8. Establishing a point differential to terminate games or to use a running clock when the point differential is reached. (3-1-2)

If the state association adopts a running time or ending of game rule, that's completely in the purview of the state association.

No, it's not what the rule was designed to do, but it permits the game to be shortened if both coaches agree.

If you want a mandatory rule, contact OHSAA and recommend it. I should say, however, that it is highly unlikely to get past the (other) coaches, who typically like the power granted them by the existing rule.

Why repeat the question. NO, getting beat is not an emergency. Which is why so many states have opted to create their own mercy rules that supercede the NFHS rule.

itheUmp. I agree with you but have been told by officials that Ohio doesn't allow a running clock and this is not an emergency situation so we can't shorten the quarters.

So the Ohio interpretation is different then the Minnesota interpretation/state adoption.

That's an Ohio problem, not an NFHS problem. I wish you the best of luck in getting it rectified.


Of course, there's always the other "game ending trick" that you could use... The losing coach could decide to forfeit the game on the spot. (I don't recommend this of course, but the option is there).

I have no idea if that is the official OHSAA interpretation. I know they have been told no running clock and that was voted on by principals and ADs. Not by coaches.

It is true that a running clock is NOT permissible. The Ohio interp states that the coaches may agree to shorten any period: we can play 2 or 6 or 9 minutes, for example, instead of 12.

I once shortened a fourth quarter to 30 seconds in a JV game on a hot day where 3 kids from the visiting team had already passed out from the heat. Ran one more play and went home. It was my first year, and I mistakenly thought that we could not terminate the game.

Did have a case last year where both sides agreed to a running clock as a response to an "emergency situation." Subvarsity game in November up in the mountains with the snow falling hard on a field with no lights. Played 10 minute stop clock quarters in the first half and then 10 minute quarters with a running clock in the second half.