Another thing thrown at us during a recent on-field exercise was the new 10 second subtraction rule. Those leading the exercise didn't have any recommended announcement language, but threw that at us to impress upon us that we needed to think about it before the season started and develop and rehearse something before it actually happens and we stumble on it. They told us to include language that explained the option, and it should contain our new favorite expression, "By rule..."
So, after stumbling through it during the exercise, and much deliberation in the days since, I developed some language for the three scenarios possible with the 10 second subtraction.
Note: The strongly preferred expression is, indeed, "10 second subtraction." Don't make my mistake and use "run off" in your language related to this new rule.
10 SECOND SUBTRACTION ANNOUNCEMENT LANGUAGE
For a foul that occurs during the last minute of a half, following the penalty announcement, add one of the three following statements, as appropriate:
Time Subtraction Accepted
By rule, accepted penalties for fouls that cause the clock to stop during the last minute of the half also have the option of having 10 seconds subtracted from the game clock, and the clock will start on my signal. [offended team] has elected that option. Clock operator, please set the game clock to [time]; [time by digits]. (pause for clock to be set) Thank you.
Example:
“False start; 75; offense; 5-yard penalty, second down. By rule, accepted penalties for fouls that cause the clock to stop during the last minute of the half also have the option of having 10 seconds subtracted from the game clock, and the clock will start on my signal. State University has elected that option. Clock operator, please set the game clock to 47 seconds; zero, zero, four, seven. (pause for clock to be set) Thank you.”
Time Subtraction Declined
By rule, accepted penalties for fouls that cause the clock to stop during the last minute of the half also have the option of having 10 seconds subtracted from the game clock. However, [offended team] has declined that option. By rule, the clock will start on the snap.
Example:
“False start; 75; offense; 5-yard penalty, second down. By rule, accepted penalties for fouls that cause the clock to stop during the last minute of the half also have the option of having 10 seconds subtracted from the game clock. However, State University has declined that option. By rule, the clock will start on the snap.”
Time Out by Fouling Team to Avoid Time Subtraction
By rule, accepted penalties for fouls that cause the clock to stop during the last minute of the half also have the option of having 10 seconds subtracted from the game clock. However, [fouling team] will take a time out to avoid the time subtraction. Time out, [fouling team]. This is their [first] [second] [third and final] charged time out of the [first] [second] half. (If TV takes a time out add) [Time out.] (If on TV and they do not take a time out, add:) [This a thirty second time out.]
Example:
“False start; 75; offense; 5-yard penalty, second down. By rule, accepted penalties for fouls that cause the clock to stop during the last minute of the half also have the option of having 10 seconds subtracted from the game clock. However, State University will take a time out to avoid the time subtraction. Time out, State University. This is their second charged time out of the second half. This a thirty second time out.”
Note: During the last minute of a half, TV would not likely take a timeout.
Penalty declined
If the offended team declines the distance penalty, then the 10 second subtraction is not an option, so there is no additional language needed. Just make your standard announcement. But, I can't imagine that ever happening.
