Parent as a game clock operator...

[Official_21]

At my game last Friday, I had a game clock operator, who was a parent at the school that I went to work at.

Before the game, he had told me this was his first time running the clocks (And the scoreboard).
Should have told him before the game to just concentrate on the game clock/score and not down and distance.

He didn't do too bad to be honest, but myself and the announcer had to keep an eye on him like a hawk.
We (Myself and the announcer was constantly telling him to start and stop the clock per the R's signal).

I realized now, that I should have told the R before the game kicked off as well, but I did tell the R at half time,
because the GCO had run off 10 secs for some reason unbeknownst to me (Which was put back on).

I wouldn't say the GCO did a terrible job considering it was his first time, just made it a bit harder on me, because
I was trying to help him out and run the play clock as well.

The opposing team coaches were in the press box (Which was for some reason on the visitor side of the field), but they didn't notice as they were to busy...coaching 

Did I handle this situation correctly? Should I have done something different? How would you handle a situation like this?

[ElvisLives]

Getting things right is job one, for everyone. The game clock and the play clock are inextricably linked. A properly administered game requires both to be done correctly and well. If you can offer 'welcome' assistance to the GCO (or vice-versa), then, by all means, do so.
I shouldn't be surprised, but, how in the heck do we get this far into a season with a GCO that has never done it before? I have a big shopping list of things the UIL, TAPPS, etc., really should mandate for ALL members that play football. Visible play clocks and TRAINED clock operators (separate game clock and play clock) are very, very high on that list. Maybe even at the top.

[Official_21]

Getting things right is job one, for everyone. The game clock and the play clock are inextricably linked. A properly administered game requires both to be done correctly and well. If you can offer 'welcome' assistance to the GCO (or vice-versa), then, by all means, do so.

No argument from me on that point

I shouldn't be surprised, but, how in the heck do we get this far into a season with a GCO that has never done it before? I have a big shopping list of things the UIL, TAPPS, etc., really should mandate for ALL members that play football. Visible play clocks and TRAINED clock operators (separate game clock and play clock) are very, very high on that list. Maybe even at the top.

If I may add to that, maybe schools don't want to pay for two clock operators, even if they could afford them.

But with that being said, I agree with your point above as well. Hopefully one day, trained clock operators will become a reality and make all of our lives a bit more easier.

[JasonTX]

Getting things right is job one, for everyone. The game clock and the play clock are inextricably linked. A properly administered game requires both to be done correctly and well. If you can offer 'welcome' assistance to the GCO (or vice-versa), then, by all means, do so.
I shouldn't be surprised, but, how in the heck do we get this far into a season with a GCO that has never done it before? I have a big shopping list of things the UIL, TAPPS, etc., really should mandate for ALL members that play football. Visible play clocks and TRAINED clock operators (separate game clock and play clock) are very, very high on that list. Maybe even at the top.

I agree.  Our chapter doesn't supply clock operators so we are left with what each school provides.  I have thought about organizing a session during pre-season for them to all attend.  The problem is that most would not attend unless they were being compensated by the schools.  Perhaps they would.  I may inquire.

[Official_21]

Our chapter doesn't supply clock operators so we are left with what each school provides. 

Oh wow, I did not know that. I thought all chapters supplied clock operators.

That's what I get for assuming things. But with that being said, I can see why not all chapters can supply clock operators for one reason or another.

[bama_stripes]

I would have run both clocks, and let Dad run the scoreboard. Another alternative would be for you to run the game clock & have Dad run the play clock (with you talking him through it).  A third would be to have the play clock kept on the field.

[dammitbobby]

Our chapter never supplies PCOs, we barely have enough officials on the field to cover the games we have, it's just a manpower issue.

[Official_21]

Our chapter never supplies PCOs, we barely have enough officials on the field to cover the games we have, it's just a manpower issue.

I only have 6 games scheduled as a GCO (Out of 14), the rest are as a PCO, but this is due to the pandemic, rather than a manpower issue.
Schools have canceled games only sometimes to add them back.

I don't mind either, but I am doing more games as a PCO, so I can become better at it.

[dammitbobby]

Just to clarify, we don't supply PCOs or GCOs. 

[ElvisLives]

Put the new guy on the game clock or play clock? Double-edged sword.
The game clock is far, far more important. But the play clock is far, far more difficult to do right.
The answer is to have two trained operators, who also report to the crew one-hour before the game, for review of clock operations, as they are supposed to do.
C'mon UIL. Are ya listenin'?