TAMPA - The Florida High School Activities Association adopted a rule Friday aimed at keeping basketball scores from getting out of hand.
The mandatory mercy rule calls for a running clock when a margin hits 35 points any time in the second half.
The clock will run during jump balls, out-of-bounds plays and free throws, but stop for timeouts, injuries and technical fouls.
"Losing by 30-40 points is embarrassing, but losing by 50, 60 or 70 points is ridiculous," commissioner Bob Hughes said after the organization's board meeting.
Also, the board:
- Elected Clearwater principal Nick Grasso president for the 2003-04 school year. "I look forward to the challenges ahead and believe that with the outstanding leadership from the commissioner and staff, along with the leadership in our schools and communities, we will have another outstanding year in Florida high school athletics," Grasso said.
- Made it mandatory that all (wrestling) weigh-ins be conducted by FHSAA-registered officials.
- Approved a measure calling for more stringent enforcement of the requirements that schools provide adequate facilities and professional service for officials working playoff events.
