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CURRENT DESK2026-27Reviewed Oct. 11, 2026

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REFERENCE CARDS

Game Rules

3 answers

Game Rules

35+ at halftime or later

ON-AIR READ

Once the margin reaches 35 points at halftime or any time afterward, NCHSAA football moves to a running clock.

Rule detail

The trigger is a 35-point differential at halftime or later in the game.
The teams may mutually agree to end the game instead of continuing with the running clock.
Use “running clock under the NCHSAA mercy rule” on air; the clock crew and officials administer the timing details.

Game Rules

Resume from the interruption point

ON-AIR READ

A suspended contest resumes from the exact point of interruption unless the schools mutually agree to end it with the existing score.

Rule detail

This applies when a football game cannot be completed because of weather or another emergency.
A continued game may carry into another week without counting against that later week’s participation limit.
For a postponed final regular-season game, Saturday is the designated makeup day tied to football playoff reporting.

Game Rules

First: 1 game; second: 2; third: 365 days

ON-AIR READ

An ejection ends participation for the rest of that day and triggers at least a next-game suspension for a first ejection.

Rule detail

First ejection: reprimand plus suspension from the next game at that level. Second: probation plus the next two games. Third: 365 days from the NCHSAA report date.
An ejected student-athlete stays in the team area for supervision. An ejected coach must leave the premises and may not contact the team.
Required NFHS education must be completed before return. Ejection totals follow the person across sports within the academic year.