Auxiliary Officials (Clock Operators) and Incident Reports...

[Official_21]

This is my first year as an auxiliary official (clock operator) and the following question popped up in my mind. As clock operators, I know we are part of the officiating crew.

Are there any instances where clock operators are required to submit an incident report or are we just to report any incidents to the referee so he can file an incident report on our behalf?

Does TASO or the UIL have any guidance on this?

[TexDoc]

I've never heard of a CO submitting one.  I would think the proper procedure is to have the R in the game submit it for you. 

[mccormicw]

Doc, that was my initial thought but I was wondering what does the auxiliary do if his incident is something regarding the officiating crew.  I am not trying to open a can of worms here but I was thinking of a specific type of rule interpretation issue such the crew winding the clock after penalty enforcement when it should have started on the snap and then time runs out (inappropriately).  As the crew is leaving the field, the coaches in the press box are losing their minds with the clock keeper. 

[Official_21]

Actually, I emailed my regional scheduler and he said the same thing...with the exception that he told me to let the R know then discuss who should submit.

[Clear Lake ref]

Doc, that was my initial thought but I was wondering what does the auxiliary do if his incident is something regarding the officiating crew.  I am not trying to open a can of worms here but I was thinking of a specific type of rule interpretation issue such the crew winding the clock after penalty enforcement when it should have started on the snap and then time runs out (inappropriately).  As the crew is leaving the field, the coaches in the press box are losing their minds with the clock keeper.

What was the scenario?

[JasonTX]

Doc, that was my initial thought but I was wondering what does the auxiliary do if his incident is something regarding the officiating crew.  I am not trying to open a can of worms here but I was thinking of a specific type of rule interpretation issue such the crew winding the clock after penalty enforcement when it should have started on the snap and then time runs out (inappropriately).  As the crew is leaving the field, the coaches in the press box are losing their minds with the clock keeper.

There is a Rules Misapplication form on the TASO website.  I would think this would apply.  Not sure if the clock operator would be the one to submit it though.  The intent of the Rules Misapplication form is for training purposes.  So if there is one crew improperly working the clock then it may be a systematic issue with the whole chapter and or state, and that's where this form comes into play. 

[Official_21]

Just to add one more point, from what I learned, it is not our job as clock operators to correct the R (or other on field officials).

Clock operators are a part of the officiating crew and we do what ever the on field officials tell us (mainly the R).

[ElvisLives]

Absolutely, the COs are to follow the signals of the on-field crew, even if the signals are incorrect.  The on-field crew must take full responsibility for those clock errors.  A CO will make note of perceived errors, and, if challenged, will offer his report of the situation(s).
If I was the CO, I wouldn’t do anything until somebody challenged me.  But, I’d be armed with my details of the events.  Unfortunately, video rarely picks up the R’s ready signals, so you might not have that as support.

I just wish I 1) always had separate GCO and PCOs, and 2) had fully trained and knowledgeable COs.

Most of the time, we get separate operators, but not always (like last night).  But, we’re struggling to get PCOs that fully understand the 40-second clock.

[TexDoc]

Just to add one more point, from what I learned, it is not our job as clock operators to correct the R (or other on field officials).

Clock operators are a part of the officiating crew and we do what ever the on field officials tell us (mainly the R).

Never try to second guess the crew.  Follow their lead and if they need to correct something,  they will.

[Official_21]

I just wish I 1) always had separate GCO and PCOs, and 2) had fully trained and knowledgeable COs.

Most of the time, we get separate operators, but not always (like last night).  But, we’re struggling to get PCOs that fully understand the 40-second clock.

How does that work? It's hard for one person to run both clocks, from what I have been told.

Plus, we had a clock training session, which covered both the game and play clocks...a classroom session, then did a live scrimmage with both clocks running. All in all a good learning experience, since I never had this training when I was an official back in 2011-2012, I was thrown in the deep end and didn't know what I was doing.

[ElvisLives]

How does that work? It's hard for one person to run both clocks, from what I have been told.

Plus, we had a clock training session, which covered both the game and play clocks...a classroom session, then did a live scrimmage with both clocks running. All in all a good learning experience, since I never had this training when I was an official back in 2011-2012, I was thrown in the deep end and didn't know what I was doing.

It is difficult.  The guy we had Friday did about as good as anyone can, but there were a couple of glitches.  Separate operators are better.  But, in most places, they are just local folks, and I have no idea where they get their training.  Apparently on the fly, in most cases.

[Official_21]

It is difficult.  The guy we had Friday did about as good as anyone can, but there were a couple of glitches.  Separate operators are better.  But, in most places, they are just local folks, and I have no idea where they get their training.  Apparently on the fly, in most cases.

Ouch...I am making a best educated guess, but based on the above, your chapter either does not have auxiliary members or not have enough to go around he play clocks?

[ElvisLives]

Ouch...I am making a best educated guess, but based on the above, your chapter either does not have auxiliary members or not have enough to go around he play clocks?

In my 44 seasons, we've never assigned COs to any game. 

[Official_21]

In my 44 seasons, we've never assigned COs to any game.

Ah..understood.