Author Topic: Clock operator checklist/cheat sheets?  (Read 192 times)

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Offline j.gonzalez

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Clock operator checklist/cheat sheets?
« on: July 07, 2026, 02:21:55 PM »
Does anyone have any Clock operator checklist/cheat sheets that you go over with them pregame in NCAA game?

Online dammitbobby

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Re: Clock operator checklist/cheat sheets?
« Reply #1 on: July 07, 2026, 04:41:06 PM »
I've used this in the past for Texas High School, seems to be pretty intuitive for the clock operator.

Online ElvisLives

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Re: Clock operator checklist/cheat sheets?
« Reply #2 on: July 07, 2026, 05:40:45 PM »
I don’t have a checklist, but, as a long-time referee who knows the value of good clock operators, I have two things to offer:

1. BOTH GCO and PCO, ALWAYS - EVERY GAME - meet with the crew (Referee, B, and S, as appropriate) before the game for quick, but thorough, pre-game conference. Items: Operational status of equipment; how to communicate; verify R’s signals; halftime timing and clock starting protocol; 2-minute time out; 10-second subtraction signal; clock NOT to show 1/10s second; starting clock on free kicks;
Play Clock items: Consistency in correctly starting 40-second clock; 40 and 25 signals; reset and start automatically (without R’s winding signal) situations; free kicks; tries; first down following free kick.

2. Pay attention!

Be aware. As much as all officials should follow the rules as they are intended, some officials are only interested in getting the games over with as quickly as possible, and will want you to do things that are outside of the rules. You should always do what is asked of you by the R, but, try to do things as the rules and manuals dictate as much as you possibly can.
The time you are managing is not your time. It is the players’ time. They deserve every second to which they are entitled, by rule. Don’t steal their time.

Good luck!

Offline zebrastripes

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Re: Clock operator checklist/cheat sheets?
« Reply #3 on: Yesterday at 01:13:02 PM »
Turn the freaking tenths and the horn off before every game, because most schools are too stupid to do it on their own and/or they think it’s like basketball where the clock needs to show tenths and have a horn.