Running Clock / Shortened Periods

[FroggyRef]

In Virginia (VHSL), the published running clock procedures are that when a 35-point differential is made any time in the second half, the clock will continue to run on incomplete passes and when runners go out of bounds.  In all other instances, the clock shall start and stop as it normally would.  This running clock cannot be invoked when rule 3-1-3 is invoked.  Our format for a running clock is sometimes still not enough to get the game over fast enough ... before players start acting out.  For example, a week ago we had a game that ended 72-0 ... 58-0 at the end of the 3rd qtr.  Started doing some more research on 3-1-3 and found little to no clarification on this nor were there any case plays.
     3-1-3 reads:  A period or periods may be shortened in any emergency by agreement of the opposing coaches and the referee.  By mutual agreement of the opposing coaches and the referee, any remaining period may be shortened at any time or the game terminated.

Do the two sentences in 3-1-3 have completely different meanings (which is how I read it) or are they connected?  Must there be an emergency in order to invoke 3-1-3 or can we simply invoke it with the opposing coaches (and Referee's) agreement.  What is an emergency.
 Can someone explain 3-1-3 please?    Ralph?     

[bama_stripes]

The two sentences are independent of each other.

The "emergency" clause might be invoked when the lights fail late in the game with one team far ahead, or for threatening weather.  If there is an emergency and the coaches don't agree to shorten or terminate the game, it's treated as a suspended game.

The "coaches can shorten" clause is used to shorten the renaming time in states which don't allow running clocks.  (We recently had a game where A was leading 58-0 at halftime, and the coaches agreed to play 5 minute quarters in the second half.)

Apparently, Virginia doesn't allow both a shortening of the period plus a running clock.

[FLAHL]

Our running clock rule also comes into play when there is a 35 point differential.  Prior to the beginning of the  4th quarter, the clock runs at the option of the coach who is behind.  Once the 4th quarter begins, the running clock is mandatory.

I don't think I've ever seen a high school team come back from more than 21 points down.  Often the kids are hanging their heads and their body language says "I'm done" once they get down by more than 2 TDs.  I'm not suggesting that the mercy rule come into effect at 21, but I sure think that 35 is too high.  What do you think?

[FroggyRef]

Bama,  Thanks for the clarification.  The VHSL running clock guideline states: "This adjustment (referring to the running clock) may not be utilized when Rule 3-1-3 is in effect." So looks like we can either have a running clock OR shortened periods but NOT both.

Congratulations on your win over T-A&M yesterday.

[Curious]

In Michigan, our "point differential rule" is also governed by a 35-point spread at any time in the second half and the clock stops only for "TIPS":

"T" Timeouts
"I"  Injuries
"P" Penalties
"S" Scoring Plays

Although I've never seen it happen, I'm not aware of any prohibition against having both shortened periods and a running clock at the same time; but, as pointed out earlier, sooner is better in these situations...

[Ralph Damren]

3-1-3 gives the coaches the ability to shorten the game. The referee's agreement is needed for emergency situations and if the coaches can't agree, the referee's decision is final. Table 1-7-8 gives each state to dictate situations to run the clock or shorten the game. It sounds as if Virgina has stated if you have running time you can't shorten the game, as they have a right to. In Maine, there are no requirements for running time and that is left up to coaches agreement. The protocol we officials use is : (1) When checking with coaches for 2nd half choices - (a) ask coach way ahead if he minds "RT"; (b) ask coach way behind if he wants to; (2) Our RT consists of starting clock on all RFPs - incomplete passes, OOB, COP, etc; (3) the 2nd half will usually last 30-35 minutes with this system and will resemble normal game conditions.

[VALJ]

Bama,  Thanks for the clarification.  The VHSL running clock guideline states: "This adjustment (referring to the running clock) may not be utilized when Rule 3-1-3 is in effect." So looks like we can either have a running clock OR shortened periods but NOT both.

Froggy, exactly correct.  VHSL lets us either shorten the period or run the clock, but not both.

Under VHSL running clock guidelines, the clock starts for:

Timeouts (officials or charged)
Change of Possessions
First Downs (since it's an official's timeout to set the chain)
Scores

Under all cases, the clock starts on the ready when it is stopped for any reason.

[Ralph Damren]

VALJ - You'll find that there are many variances from state to state on "blow out" situations. The most novel, in my opinion, is Connecticut's. There, if a team's winning margin exceeds 50 points the head coach gets a one game suspension unless "pardoned" by the opponent's AD .

[FroggyRef]

Ralph,
   Thanks for the further clarification.  Always look forward to reading your posts ... directly from a rules committee member.

VALJ,
     Check your inbox.  Sent you a message this afternoon.