My game on the play clock last Friday and overall assessment of my season...

[Official_21]

My game last Friday on the play clock went well...but I think the R for that game goofed (It may have been me too, but let's go on the facts below).

On two kickoffs, the ball went out of the end zone, for a touchback. I put 40 seconds on the clock, but the R kept asking me to reset the play clock to 25 seconds for the first play from scrimmage. I have it in my mind that the clock should be 40 seconds if there are no flags or other administrative stoppages).

Overall, I'd say my first season on the clocks went went well. The game clock I have down and as for the play clock,  I will need to get more play clock assignments next season, as the game I mentioned above was only my 2nd game on the play clock. I am sure the more I do the play clock, the better I will get.

[TxBJ]

You were correct to set it to 40 on the touchbacks on the kickoffs.

[ElvisLives]

The first scrimmage down (not a Try) following a free kick seems to be a major source of misunderstanding by play clock operators, and, disturbingly, game officials.  It really can't be simpler.  The first scrimmage down following a kickoff is a 40-second play clock that starts after the ball becomes dead on the free kick down.  Period.  Regardless of the outcome of the free kick.  Regardless if following a fair catch or a touchback.  Regardless whether it will be a Team B series, or Team A series.   Unless there is an administrative stoppage, such as for a penalty completion, the play clock is set to 40 and started automatically by the PCO after the ball becomes dead on the free kick down.

I have a nasty feeling that some officials are consciously defying the rule and telling the PCOs to set it to 25 and wait for the R's RFP signal, because teams are not working hard to get their scrimmage teams on the field in a timely manner, and the officials don't want to annoy a coach (and risk a 'scratch') by calling a delay of game on them.  Gosh, I hope not.  But, I honestly believe that is happening.  Very selfish.  Very unprofessional.  If any of you out there are doing this, STOP immediately, and start doing it right.  Hustle to get the ball spotted.  If the play clock gets under 25 before you get the ball spotted, by all means - follow proper procedure and pump the play clock to 25 and keep going.  If, after all that, teams still aren't ready, and the play clock expires - that's on them.

The same can be said for the Try, especially when the TD is scored with a long play.  Yes.  It will take the crew a few extra seconds to get to their positions, and get the ball spotted.  Same story.  Start the play clock by rule, and, if necessary, pump it to 25 if under 25 and the ball isn't RFP.

It isn't that difficult. 

With playoffs starting, though, this may be too late.  I hope not.

Robert

[Official_21]

The first scrimmage down (not a Try) following a free kick seems to be a major source of misunderstanding by play clock operators, and, disturbingly, game officials.  It really can't be simpler.  The first scrimmage down following a kickoff is a 40-second play clock that starts after the ball becomes dead on the free kick down.  Period.  Regardless of the outcome of the free kick.  Regardless if following a fair catch or a touchback.  Regardless whether it will be a Team B series, or Team A series.   Unless there is an administrative stoppage, such as for a penalty completion, the play clock is set to 40 and started automatically by the PCO after the ball becomes dead on the free kick down.

I have a nasty feeling that some officials are consciously defying the rule and telling the PCOs to set it to 25 and wait for the R's RFP signal, because teams are not working hard to get their scrimmage teams on the field in a timely manner, and the officials don't want to annoy a coach (and risk a 'scratch') by calling a delay of game on them.  Gosh, I hope not.  But, I honestly believe that is happening.  Very selfish.  Very unprofessional.  If any of you out there are doing this, STOP immediately, and start doing it right.  Hustle to get the ball spotted.  If the play clock gets under 25 before you get the ball spotted, by all means - follow proper procedure and pump the play clock to 25 and keep going.  If, after all that, teams still aren't ready, and the play clock expires - that's on them.

The same can be said for the Try, especially when the TD is scored with a long play.  Yes.  It will take the crew a few extra seconds to get to their positions, and get the ball spotted.  Same story.  Start the play clock by rule, and, if necessary, pump it to 25 if under 25 and the ball isn't RFP.

It isn't that difficult. 

With playoffs starting, though, this may be too late.  I hope not.

Robert

At least I am happy to know that I was correct. Even the scoreboard operator and game clock operator (School district employees) were in agreement with me.

[clearwall]

I notice a lot of "R"s in SV games, and a few V as well though not as much, are still chopping in plays after kickoffs. I've been reminding them as it happens that they dont need to do that anymore. I think you're probably right that a good number of officials don't realize this rule changed and are still in old mechanics.

[Official_21]

Oh there was something I failed to mentioned too.

The game was a blow out (final score 41-7) so, I was wondering as well, now that I think about it, if the R was putting 25 secs up to hurry the game along or if it doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things?