2026 CCA Manual, Basic Officiating Guidelines, Item 15

[ElvisLives]

2026 CCA Manual, Basic Officiating Guidelines, Item 15, Mechanics for the 10-Second Runoff Rule

This item is new for 2026. I presume it is intended mostly to bring consistency across all of NCAA football in (at least) the Referee’s announcements related to 10-second subtractions (‘runoffs;’ I’ll use 10SRO as the acronym). That’s all good.
I question the priority of obtaining the opposing coaches’ options. They say to obtain the Offending Team’s option first, i.e., if they have a time out (T/O) available, do they want to use it, to avoid the 10SRO?
Well, if the offended team chooses to decline the 10SRO, then the offending team has no ‘option’ to choose. After the ball is spotted, the play clock is 25 and starts on the referee’s signal, and the game clock starts on the snap, all by rule.
It seems to me that the offended team needs to make the first decision (10SRO or not). If they choose the 10SRO, then the offending needs to decide if they want to take a T/O. If they do, then the game clock does not get adjusted; the offended team is so advised; and, following the full T/O, the game clock starts on the snap. But, if the offending does not have a T/O available, 10-seconds are subtracted from the game clock, and will start on the referee’s signal (by rule).
I would prefer to have the sideline officials let the offended team know that, if they want the 10SRO, the offending team may, then, take a T/O to avoid the 10SRO. Then get their option, first. Then get the offending team’s option to take a T/O (or not).
Anyone know the rationale for getting the offending team’s option first?

And, regarding the announcement, as much as I don’t like the term ‘runoff,’ I can live with it. But, let’s not say, “…on the ready for play.” I’d much rather use, ”Clock Operator, please set the game clock to 35-seconds; zero-three-five [use time as appropriate]. The game clock will start on my signal.” And then always follow up with “Thank you” to the clock operator after the clock is adjusted.

The other stuff in the CCA manual for the 10SRO is all OK.

[Whodatboy18]

What’s in the manual this year is the same process we were told to use last year.

My understanding is that we ask the offending team first as part of the penalty for their foul is the 10 second runoff. They are penalized with the loss of a TO to avoid the 10SRO. They don’t get the opportunity to save a TO by the choice of the offended team. The offended team gets all the same options at the end of the day whichever sequence we ask (manuals or yours), which is the point of penalty enforcement.

Additionally this cuts down significantly on the time to get options and complete enforcement as we lose having to always complete at least two conversations and now most will be just one.

[JasonTX]

What’s in the manual this year is the same process we were told to use last year.

My understanding is that we ask the offending team first as part of the penalty for their foul is the 10 second runoff. They are penalized with the loss of a TO to avoid the 10SRO. They don’t get the opportunity to save a TO by the choice of the offended team. The offended team gets all the same options at the end of the day whichever sequence we ask (manuals or yours), which is the point of penalty enforcement.

Additionally this cuts down significantly on the time to get options and complete enforcement as we lose having to always complete at least two conversations and now most will be just one.

That seems to be in conflict with the rule.  The rule states, "the opponent has the option of a 10 SRO".   I suppose if the other team doesn't want the runoff, there wouldn't be one if the offending team calls a timeout.  Forcing them to use a timeout that would prevent the 10 SRO takes the other team out of the picture.  The problem arises when the offending team doesn't want to use a timeout, and then we find out the offended team doesn't want the 10 SRO.  It seems we need to get their option.

[ElvisLives]

That seems to be in conflict with the rule.  The rule states, "the opponent has the option of a 10 SRO".   I suppose if the other team doesn't want the runoff, there wouldn't be one if the offending team calls a timeout.  Forcing them to use a timeout that would prevent the 10 SRO takes the other team out of the picture.  The problem arises when the offending team doesn't want to use a timeout, and then we find out the offended team doesn't want the 10 SRO.  It seems we need to get their option.

Precisely why we need to get the offended team’s option, first, IMHO. If they don’t want the 10SRO, then, there is no secondary issue. Penalize, spot the ball, start the play clock, and the game clock starts on the snap.
If they DO want the 10SRO, and the offending team has an available T/O, then notify the offending team that 10 seconds will be subtracted from the game clock, and the clock will start on the ‘ready,’ but, they can avoid both if they take a time out. Then do whatever is appropriate by their response.