I must be a magnet...

[ElvisLives]

Last year, third week of playoffs, we had a playoff game at a 6A host site (their team was no longer in the playoffs), and the play clock operator had NEVER operated either clock before. How does that happen? Got through it, but it was stress we didn't need.

Playoff game last night in a neutral site. Host school not in the playoffs. Both clock operators met us pre-game, and we discussed some of the more important issues. All seemed good.
Within four game time minutes, we realized that the play clock operator had no idea what he was doing. We told the game manager to turn off the play clocks, and we kept the clock on the field. At half time, I asked the game manger if the play clock operator was their regular guy. "No. Different guy. He has never done this before." Where was their regular guy? "Hunting season." Can you hunt at night? "No. But this isn't "their" game."

Un-frickin-believable. The UIL simply must require that all schools hosting a football game - their own, or as a neutral site - must provide experienced and trained clock operators. No excuse for this. Who gets blamed if there is a clock error? Not the COs. We do.
We got get this fixed.

[Etref]

I agree. It is ridiculous for a host school that is making money for the venue to not provide competent clock and game clock operators, chain crew, AND game management. Seldom ever see them on time either. If they do not have the people to do the job have the local chapter provide.

[Ralph Damren]

In the state of Maine, the play -clock operator always shows up. He's also known as the back judge, as we have no visible play clocks. If he doesn't show up, it's the ref's job by default. I always ref..my ReadyRef is in my bathroom timing my hand washing for the virus.. there will be few DOG calls if my BJ is elsewhere. 

[ncwingman]

I'm surprised that it's not a generally accepted rule that playoff games need to have actual officials on the game clock (at least). Yes, it costs the schools an extra check, but it's the playoffs. It's not mandatory here either, but it probably should be.

However, I've had this thought a few times this year - if you get an actual official on the clock, he works the game clock but the play clock is more influential during the game. If you have a bad play clock operator, that can serious impact plays if they don't start it on time (especially if it's too early) or inconsistently etc.. Why not put the official on the play clock?

I'm not saying it should be changed, but it seems like a holdover from when everybody was like Maine and there was only one clock being kept on the scoreboard and the visible play clock means we've taken the play clock out of the hands of the officials.

Also, we should go back to unofficial game clocks and having the line judge carry a starter pistol to signal the end of the period. I'm sure Texas would approve of the use of firearms.

[Etref]

Not sure we would use blanks though…

[bama_stripes]

Our state allows a school to use their own PCO for the first round only, IF he’s certified.  After the first round, the PCO must be an official.  ECOs are registered officials throughout the playoffs, as are the clip/alternate officials.

[psv]

Our TAPPS playoff game on Saturday was the same way...  fortunately the game was a blowout so the only thing he had to manage in the second half was starting it at the start of the 3rd and 4th quarters.... but... UGH.

There are few things that make a crew look worse than bad clock mgmt.