Running Clock and running it Up.

[TexDoc]

JR, my job is to make the game 1. safe, 2. fair, 3. one that does not make a mockery of the game.

It is my decision, and I will continue to make it until I retire.  I doubt many could really mount an effective argument against it. 

If one team is ahead by 45 by the end of the 3rd quarter, keep them in bounds and keep the clock running as much as possible.

I had a game a few years ago where the final was 84 -10.  We never stopped the clock from 2 minutes into the second half.  No one complained.  If the winning coach does complain, I think you appeal their sense of dignity.  They usually understand.

[blindref757]

I don't want UIL screwing with it in Texas.  What we have now works great and the old axiom "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" fits perfectly.  We run the clock whenever we feel it will be best for the kids.  Every game is different.  What works in Week 3 might not be applicable in Week 9 due to injuries, playoff scenarios, etc.  Most of the time, the losing coach will make mention to the HL that he'd appreciate it if we moved things along.  But if he doesn't, we won't wait for him to ask.  And if he does ask, the winning coach will just have to scratch us or take it up with the other coach after the game.  We don't do this for coaches with screwed up egos...we do this for kids who want to have fun.  Winners don't have fun winning by 70...and losers sure don't.  Second and Third teamers get to play when the game is out of hand...enjoy the running clock and the playing time.  Work harder in practice Monday - Wednesday and you'll be out on the field in the 1st quarter eventually.

[TexDoc]

I don't want UIL screwing with it in Texas.  What we have now works great and the old axiom "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" fits perfectly.  We run the clock whenever we feel it will be best for the kids.  Every game is different.  What works in Week 3 might not be applicable in Week 9 due to injuries, playoff scenarios, etc.  Most of the time, the losing coach will make mention to the HL that he'd appreciate it if we moved things along.  But if he doesn't, we won't wait for him to ask.  And if he does ask, the winning coach will just have to scratch us or take it up with the other coach after the game.  We don't do this for coaches with screwed up egos...we do this for kids who want to have fun.  Winners don't have fun winning by 70...and losers sure don't.  Second and Third teamers get to play when the game is out of hand...enjoy the running clock and the playing time.  Work harder in practice Monday - Wednesday and you'll be out on the field in the 1st quarter eventually.

 

[LarryW60]

IMHO. if there isn't already a mercy rule in place, then let the blowouts happen.  After a couple of 70 - 0 games, the league supervisors might be inclined to implement something rather than deal with the irate parents beating down their doors.

[AlUpstateNY]

Perhaps it's a regional thing, but it seems that most situations that try and get out of control seem to happen in "blow out" games.  How well I handle a riot doesn't seem to be as important as how well I manage things to avoid one.

[TexDoc]

How well I handle a riot doesn't seem to be as important as how well I manage things to avoid one.

Well said.

[110]

How well I handle a riot doesn't seem to be as important as how well I manage things to avoid one.

I don't care how long anyone has been in this business: that's a helluva chunk of wisdom.

[JugglingReferee]

Perhaps it's a regional thing, but it seems that most situations that try and get out of control seem to happen in "blow out" games.  How well I handle a riot doesn't seem to be as important as how well I manage things to avoid one.

Well said.

I was once told (though in basketball) that when it hits the fan, something 3-5 minutes prior wasn't handled properly, which lead to it hitting the fan.

I think the same can be applied to football.

[wheel75]

I don't want UIL screwing with it in Texas.  What we have now works great and the old axiom "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" fits perfectly.  We run the clock whenever we feel it will be best for the kids.  Every game is different. 

I disagree.  In Tennessee, a rule was adopted a few years back.  35 points, in the second half the clock runs until it gets below 35.  Darn good rule, and it removes any option on the part of referee or teams.  A few years back, one of our best white hats got called on the carpet by the state office for using a running clock in at 71-point game.  Seems like a parent called the state office and complained.