...still have play clock operators, in particular, that don't understand the 40-second play clock changes for 2018.
Any chance the UIL could/would require clock operators to attend a short meeting to review clock rules each year (prior to scrimmages)? It could be part of a local chapter meeting. It could be part of a regional workshop. It could be part of the state coaches' meeting. It could be part of our Annual Meeting.
Of course not. What was I thinking?
For last game, through appropriate channels, requested (as always) to see play clock operators at our dressing room one hour before game time. Got the message back that they "...usually arrive 15 minutes before the game. Haven't had any problems this year." Sure enough, could not find either CO before game time (I don't know who started the pre-game clock). Had to start game without a "conference."
Couldn't get game clock to start on RFP signal several times. Couldn't get it to stop on an out of bounds play. Play clock at 40 after punts and running. No field mic to give instructions. Between 1st/2nd periods, had to go to sideline, insist on talking to clock operators. Finally got a coach to get them on a headset. "It (play clock) doesn't run after punts?" No, sir. "Oh. OK." Please stop the clock when runner goes OB. "We never saw a time-out signal; y'all were covering the QB that ran OB." (Funny...video show H's T/O signal clear as a bell.) Please try to pay attention. "OK." No major issues after that. Imagine if we'd had a real pre-game conference?
But, it makes me wonder if crews are talking to operators before each game. How could we be this far into the season and still have PCOs trying to start and run a 40-second clock for the first scrimmage play after a punt?
Robert