CLEMSON — The Atlantic Coast Conference announced this past Tuesday a new rule that will affect one of Clemson’s biggest traditions.

ACC schools will be fined for court and field storming to protect players and coaches, especially those on the visiting teams. This new rule will affect how Clemson conducts its tradition of “Meeting at the Paw” which has been allowed at Clemson since Memorial Stadium was first built in 1942.

“We are used to field storming. Obviously, it is at home every game and if we lose on the road we get it there, too,” Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney. “So, we get a lot of experience with it. We have dealt with it.”

Swinney said he learned about the new rule during last week’s program meeting with athletic director Graham Neff.

“I think they have a good plan in place where they can achieve the objectives of getting the visiting team off the field and still be able to gather at the paw and have the fans come on and hold the alma mater until we do that.

“I think they have a good plan in place.”

What is the plan?

Swinney did not give any details on those plans. Clemson, of course, released a statement to The Clemson Insider on Tuesday after ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips announced the new field and court storming rules.

“The ACC’s revised Sportsmanship policy provides an important framework for all institutions to evaluate and enhance their safety procedures for fans, teams, and game officials in line with other major conferences and venues,” the statement reads. “Clemson is in the process of finalizing our updated protocol in accordance with this policy. Our approach acknowledges the significance of Gathering at the Paw on Frank Howard Field at Memorial Stadium, and we intend to allow for its continuation once visiting teams and personnel have safely exited the field. We ask our fans for their cooperation in this matter beginning this fall.”

Commissioner Phillips detailed the fine structure for schools violating the league’s new court and field storming rules: $50,000 first offense; $100,000 second offense; $200,000 third offense. The timeline for those fines will reset every two years.

Those dollars will go to the ACC’s postgraduate scholarship fund.

“The plan may allow spectators to access the competition area, following a contest, but only after the visiting team and officials have safely exited the area,” Phillips said. “With the elevated safety expectations, it’s critical and there’s critical importance to ensure that adequate time for all members of the visiting team to safely leave the field of play.

“In addition to these elevated expectations, there is a corresponding fine structure in place. Should the school have a breach in this new policy? Similarly in the sports of football, men’s and women’s basketball as well as baseball.”

Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik is in favor of the rule. Though he loves the fact Clemson has always allowed fans to come on the field, one thing he would like to do more of is talk to the opposing quarterback after the game, something that is impossible to do with all the fans on the field.

“I will say I think it’s great that there’s going to be a little bit of a delay because I’ve never gotten to shake the opponent’s quarterback’s hand after a home game,” Klubnik said. “I didn’t get to say hi to Sam Hartman or Drake Maye at home or some of these guys. So, to be able to do that will be awesome. To be able to enjoy the other team for a few minutes and then let’s go.”

Klubnik, Swinney and the rest of the Tigers will get to see if the new plan will work on Aug. 30 when the Tigers host LSU in the season opener for both schools.

— photo by Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images