Adopt NCAA timing rules. Keep our games moving in the right direction
And what direction is that?
Virtually ALL of the NCAA timing rules that have appeared in the last 20 years have been to give TV more advertising opportunity, without increasing overall total game time. They adopt a rule like not stopping the clock on first downs, but the total game time does not decrease, because, behind the curtain, they make commercial breaks longer.
None of the timing rules have any impact on player safety. All the NCAA - and TV - is doing is stealing the player’s time. Game time is the player’s time. Not our’s. Not the coaches’. Not the fans’/spectators’.
The players’. Even in lopsided games, there are 2nd and 3rd team players that get some playing time that they don’t get in competitive games. Those kids that show up to practice every day and give their all, but just aren’t as talented, deserve the chance to have their families see them on the field and show their pride for their child(ren), even if only for a precious few minutes. Those players, and their families, will remember those few moments for their lifetimes.
Shortening of periods is already allowed. The UIL needs to strongly encourage reduced periods in lopsided games (but with a sensible minimum time - like 6 minutes per period). The bigger change the UIL needs to make is to formally allow for a “running clock,” and to tie a ‘running clock’ to requiring the teams to get all of their players some playing time. Up by at least 28 points after half-time, you must play your subs, and run the ball - no passing (when on offense). At the same time, the opponent has to play their 2nd/3rd team players. And the timing changes for a running clock need to be formalized. Out of bounds, first downs - keep running. Every thing else, follow regular timing.
