[Ed Hickland]

Here is a good one to pass along from my game this week.

Twenty-six seconds in the third quarter as the ready for play is whistled. (In my mind I knew I had done something wrong).

Play clock expires leaving one second on the clock. (Now I knew it was a mistake). Of course, scoreboard clock operator goes to zero. My umpire even seeing my flag yells, "end of quarter."

I yell "No, give me a defensive captain."

The line judge let's the offense head for the bench.

I explain the penalty acceptance to the defensive captain.
...if you take the penalty, the clock will start on the snap and they will have one more play this quarter.

Captain agrees.

Get the offense back on the field. They run a pass play where the defense commits pass interefence.

The offense heads for the sideline because the quarter is over in their mind.

I tell the offensive captain...you get an untimed down. He takes the penalty.

Meanwhile my umpire is whispering in my ear the quarter is over. (Don't I wish!)

Offense throws a 40-yard touchdown. Then the extra point. And ten minutes after that stupid ready-for-play at 26 seconds, the period ends.

Question:

My umpire after the game questions extending the third period of an untimed down. He says that only applies to the second and fourth period.

What do you think, other than overly intent clock watching?