Quote:
Originally posted by rdodom
All of the above situations are taken into consideration, but a couple of years ago, we had a clinic from Bobby Gaston, commissioner for the SEC. He mentioned that their refs try to be consistent and mark it between 12-14 seconds.
Since then, that's what I've done and it has worked well. I don't have many delays and to me, if it's marked too quick and you have delays, in reality, it just delays the game! Why do we want to rush anyone?
This average works for just about all situations but we do take into account the score, the chains, long plays etc.! If it's a runaway, I'll manage the clock accordingly. If the offense is in a hurry because of needing to put the ball in play to win the game and the defense (and crew) is ready, I don't care if it's just 5 seconds, I'll mark it! If the defense is taking their sweet time getting on their side of the ball and everyone's ready, and if I feel they're taking too long, I'll stop the clock and then mark it ready with a wind, once everyone is ready. I don't call a penalty, it's just my discretion!
Just some thoughts!
|
To me that is the key. Consistency. I will tell a coach he has about 30-35 seconds after the last play to snap it for the next one. Most of the time that is enough but sometimes a coach and QB will start out taking a long time between plays.
I like to warn the QB of excessive time once and then it is up to him to make 25 seconds, especially, since it is really about 30-35 seconds.
My crew does not speed up in a hurry-up but the umpire remains over the ball until the ready. I would say we don't slow down for a blow out but that is not true. Just suffice it to say we intentionally correctly spot the ball with a deliberate method. Oh! it takes longer?