Iowa-Michigan Rules Question

[zebrastripes]

Last drive of the game, B leads A 19-14. A has no timeouts remaining and converts a first down inbounds with 0:02 remaining. A rushes to the line preparing to ground the ball, which would end the game since there are less than 0:03. However, a B player presents as injured prior to the clock being wound. The referee announces that this situation has the option of a 10-second runoff, which A obviously declines. Since the runoff is declined the game clock will start on the snap.

My understanding was that a runoff only applies when the injury is the ONLY reason for stopping the clock. But in this situation, the clock was stopped for the first down inbounds after the 2-minute timeout. So I’m unsure of why a runoff was offered to A. It essentially allowed A to run a “real” final play and not have to rush a snap upon the referee’s signal.

[dammitbobby]

3-3-6-f.   Ten-Second Runoff. If the player injury is the only reason for stopping the clock (other than that player’s helmet or a teammate’s helmet coming off, Rule 3-3-10) anytime after the Two-Minute Timeout in the 2nd or 4th quarters, the opponent has the option of a 10-second runoff. (Exception: If a player injury occurs on a play where there is a temporary stoppage of the clock for a first down, and the clock is stopped with 10 seconds or less remaining in the 2nd or 4th quarters, the opponent has the option of a 10-second runoff. The 10-second runoff may be avoided by the use of a charged team timeout if available) (A.R. 3-3-6-XIII-XVI).

[JasonTX]

This is a special case where the runoff still applies, due to having 10 or fewer seconds left.  3-3-6-f

[zebrastripes]

Thanks y’all. What’s the rationale for the “10 seconds” exception?

[ElvisLives]

Thanks y’all. What’s the rationale for the “10 seconds” exception?

To keep an offensive team that has used all of there times-out from getting an advantage by getting the clock stopped to get a field goal team on the field or getting set up for a 'Hail Mary' play at the end of a half. Half/game over. 

[zebrastripes]

To keep an offensive team that has used all of there times-out from getting an advantage by getting the clock stopped to get a field goal team on the field or getting set up for a 'Hail Mary' play at the end of a half. Half/game over.

Makes sense, but seems like it would make more sense to just have the exception be for Team A injuries rather than either team. Not sure the exception was intended to bail out Team A, which is essentially what happened yesterday.

[bossman72]

If I could make a rule change...

First downs should not prevent runoffs in any situation, ever.  It's a temporary stoppage and a natural part of the game and is not "caused" by anybody doing anything wrong.
Instead of making an exception to the exception, just make the rule simpler.