Helmet off Play Clock Exception has changed

[Harry]

Last year there was an exception to the helmet off play clock rule stating:

2012 3-2-4c "Exception: With less than one minute remaining in either half the play clock is set at 25 seconds for any player."

The exception has changed for this year.  It says:

Exception: If there is an option for a 10-second subtraction in either half the play clock is set at 25 seconds for any player.

I take those to have very different meanings.  Last years rule states that the play clock is set to 25 seconds if a helmet comes off for any player.  There are no other conditions to it.  This years rule states that the play clock is set to 25 seconds for any player if there is a 10 second runoff option.  That means that if a 10 second runoff is not an option, normal play clock rules apply (25 for offense, 40 for defense).

A play where this might apply is:

4/5@B30.  A24 runs for a  6-yard gain with :30 seconds remaining in the half.  During the play B45's helmet comes off. Ruling: A1/10 @ B24.  No 10 second runoff since the helmet coming off wasn't the only reason for stopping the clock.  Play clock set to 40 seconds.  Start on referee's signal

What do you think?

[FLBJ]

Agree with a slight variation. If the play was inbounds and the clock stopped for the helmet, the clocks (both) would start with the RFP and since the play clock is set at '40' but there is only 30 seconds left on the game clock, the play clock would be turned off, I believe.