Game Clock Operator best practicesI

[Official_21]

So, last Friday, I did make one minor mistake running the game clock at my game...I left the dreaded one second on the clock at the end of the first quarter  It did not have a significant outcome on the results of the game and neither coaches questioned it (It was a non-district game...a private school against v. a public school).

When I went down to the officials locker room to talk to the white hat, he told me I was doing a good job, but made the mistake of leaving one second up on the clock, which I acknowledged. He then gave me a tip...Have situational awareness.

I do need to develop this skill and start scanning the game clock, just wish I started doing this sooner rather than later.

My question to the above is...when do you usually scan the game clock, especially when the clock is running?

My second question is, after I got home from the game on Friday night, I looked over my notes (I started taking notes as to every single time the clock is stopped) and when I saw I had left one second on the clock, I was so angry at myself, despite the error not having a significant outcome on the game.
I realize that I was being hard on myself when I didn't have to be, since I am a new clock operator and am learning each time I go out.

[HLinNC]

Every official, including the GCO, should take a look at the clock at every stoppage, to insure that it is indeed stopped.  Its not just the R and BJ's responsibility to monitor clock status.

Certainly as time is winding down, you'll want to keep a closer eye.  However, most GCO's are reacting to the field officials' signals so if you saw a kill, you tend to react to that before you look at the clock.  Its not the end of the world, however, so don't beat yourself up.  Just use as a learning experience.

[TxBJ]

Situational awareness will serve you well on the field as well as on the clock.

[Official_21]

Every official, including the GCO, should take a look at the clock at every stoppage, to insure that it is indeed stopped.  Its not just the R and BJ's responsibility to monitor clock status.

Certainly as time is winding down, you'll want to keep a closer eye.  However, most GCO's are reacting to the field officials' signals so if you saw a kill, you tend to react to that before you look at the clock.  Its not the end of the world, however, so don't beat yourself up.  Just use as a learning experience.

Yeah, I did own up to the error though and took the tip of situational awareness to heart, just need to develop that skill.

I started taking notes during a game of all stoppages, so I can help out the officiating crew should the clock need to be reset, took some getting used to, but I did it. So looking at the game clock, especially with time winding down, is something I will get used to in the long run.

Situational awareness will serve you well on the field as well as on the clock.

Agreed. That is the one tip the R at the game gave his crew past and present. Valuable advice.
Only thing is I do not have time to be an on field official (I was one from 2011-2012) due to other commitments that prevent me from getting to  junior high/sub varsity games in a timely manner.

[InsideTheStripes]

Please stop killing yourself about the :01 in Q1. If that was the only issue and you're tracking stoppages at sub-FBS levels, you're ahead of the competition.

[Official_21]

Please stop killing yourself about the :01 in Q1. If that was the only issue and you're tracking stoppages at sub-FBS levels, you're ahead of the competition.

Yeah...true...I just expect too much of myself when I shouldn't.

And thanks for the compliment...although it was another forum member here on ref stripes that suggested the note taking.
I realized, as well, that notes would come in handy, especially if the R at any of my games needs to reset the game clock for one reason or another.
Just a small thing I am getting used to doing to help out the on field crew.