Football Game Officials Manual

[AlUpstateNY]

Perhaps, just explaining that "winding the clock" is often construed as a manner of "Chopping it in", either of which should be accompanied by a sharp whistle.

[sir55]

We use officials to run the game clock and the 25 second clock. However, those officials are young, usually 1st or 2nd year officials. When to start and stop the clock can be confusing for inexperienced officials. I think the mechanic is a good one and prevents clock issues of when to start the clock, whether on the ready or on the snap.

[KWH]

Perhaps, just explaining that "winding the clock" is often construed as a manner of "Chopping it in", either of which should be accompanied by a sharp whistle.

Or, you could simply teach what is correct and steer away from that which is "often construed".
Ready for Play is Signal 1, This signal marks the ball Ready for play and starts the 25 second play clock.
Start the Game Clock is Signal 2, This signal is given to indicate to the game clock operator to start the game clock.
In those situations where the game clock starts with the Ready for play signal,
the Referee shall give Signal 1 followed immediately by Signal 2 - Two different signals.
Source: 2014-2015 NFHS Officials Manual - Page 16

[bigjohn]

http://www.ohsaa.org/officials/bulletins/FBRulesPhilosophies.pdf


Ohio DOO added these this year.

http://www.ohsaa.org/officials/OHSAAOfficialsHandbook.pdf

[bossman72]

In those situations where the game clock starts with the Ready for play signal,
the Referee shall give Signal 1 followed immediately by Signal 2 - Two different signals.
Source: 2014-2015 NFHS Officials Manual - Page 16

I think this should change, IMO.  The two signals are confusing to clock operators and it just seems generally unnecessary.  One signal looks better too.

Additionally, you're technically starting the play clock and the game clock at different times.

[AlUpstateNY]

I think this should change, IMO.  The two signals are confusing to clock operators and it just seems generally unnecessary.  One signal looks better too.

Additionally, you're technically starting the play clock and the game clock at different times.

In situations where the game clock is intended to start on the "Ready for Play" signal, it would seem both clocks are intended to start simultaneously.

[KWH]

I think this should change, IMO.  The two signals are confusing to clock operators and it just seems generally unnecessary.  One signal looks better too.

Additionally, you're technically starting the play clock and the game clock at different times.

There is a process for changing mechanics and signals. You simply submit a mechanical change request the same way you submit a rule change request.  These go thru your state office first, and then, on to the Manual Committee for consideration.

There may be a better method, but for now this IS the prescribed method and it has been that way for a LONG time.
That being said, if the clock operator confusion is a major concern, it seems spending 5 minutes with the clock operators in the Pre-Game is a more productive use of time that standing around telling jokes, or hunting stories, or both.

[Rulesman]

Just because "we've always done it that way" doesn't mean that's the right way. Doesn't mean it's the wrong way, either. But I would like to see sub committees become more pro active in looking at the big picture rather than always placing the burden for change on the masses.

[CalhounLJ]

For several years now, I have had "Free Kick After A Fair Catch" on my bucket list.  I had never given "Intentional Pass Interference" any serious consideration for that list.  However, maybe  IPI could be a fall back bucket list item.  Bucket list because I am reasonably certain that I would not be assigned many  more games after an IPI call, regardless of my knowledge of the rules and command of the English language.

We had a free kick after a fair catch back in 1997. Punt from about the A10, to the A40. Fair catch. Kicker trotted out, teed it up and kicked it through to win the game. 31-28.