One of Oklahoma State's biggest home-field advantages has taken a hit. OSU’s Paddle People no longer can bang their boards against the padded side walls of Boone Pickens Stadium, at least while the opposing offense is trying to function.

Big 12 athletic directors passed a rule Wednesday that, effective immediately, prohibits artificial noise-makers at football games while the ball is in play or the offense is at the line of scrimmage.

The rule bans all artificial noise-makers in conference sponsored sports in which NCAA rules are silent. Existing in-stadium traditions – like the Paddle People or Texas Tech’s bell-ringing – falls under the “Band/Audio Play” provisions of the Big 12. Bands and in-house music are not allowed during game action or after the offense has reached the line of scrimmage.

The Big 12 has said officials have the discretion to call a 15-yard penalty if the rule is broken. OSU plays Texas at 6:50 p.m. Saturday in both teams’ Big 12 opener. The game will be televised on Fox (KOKH-25).