A bit ironic. A couple of weeks ago, a TASO crew had a play with an intercepted pass, then a fumble on the return, with Team A re-gaining possession, inbounds. This is commonly called an "A-B-A" situation. This was noticed on TV replay of the game in that area, so there is no way to know if the play clock was set to 40 and started automatically, but, I highly doubt it. But, just like in the CFO video, the crew failed to start the game clock on the RFP. Many moons ago, starting the clock on the snap was correct, but that was another thing Redding changed soon after assuming the duties of Sec-Ed. It has been this way for quite some time, now, and we all need to know this, and 1) be sure the play clock is set to 40 and started, and 2) start the game clock on the Referee's signal (unless there is some other timing rule reason to start on the snap, like the ball/BC went OB inside 2 minutes in the half, or it was a legal kick down). (For Texas UIL guys, the out-of-bounds thing would apply for the entire game, not just inside 2 minutes in the half.)
Lo and behold, this exact scenario showed up on the CFO weekly video this week. The good news is that they had a well-trained play clock operator, and the play clock was automatically set to 40 and started correctly after the end of the down (with no direction from the on-field crew). Unfortunately, the on-field crew failed to start the game clock on the Referee's signal. While the play clock was running, the R took the time to make a rather extended announcement, which, really, should have been very brief, if at all, since the play clock is running. By rule, Team A should have the ability to snap the ball immediately upon the ball being spotted (and officials in position). If the R does choose to hold the snap and make a full announcement, then he needs to be aware of the play clock and pump it 25, and start both clocks together.
Probably had no real impact on the game, but, if this is a time-critical situation for one team, it could improperly impact the game.
Live and learn.
Robert
