Quote:
Originally Posted by mbcrowder
Neither of these. However, defensive player touching or moving the ball first after the official has placed it and before the offense has approached the ball would be a delay of game foul designed to conserve time. Doesn't mean the initial rule you were quoted earlier is wrong - but the referee can, in his discretion, start the clock at the ready in this situation - albeit using a completely different rule to do so.
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NF: 3-5-6,
"When a team attempts to conserve or consume time illegally, the referee shall order the clock started or stopped.", like many other rules is intended to authorize, where necessary, the judgment of the Referee to determine whether an inappropriate advantage has been gained by either team, and to correct that inappropriate balance.
Although not intended as a license to subvert rules, NF: 1-1-6,
"The referee has authority to rule promptly, and in the spirit of good sportsmanship, on any subject not specifically covered in the rules. The referee's decisions are final in all matters pertaining to the game.", provides for a final impartial arbiter to render judgments, and is clearly designed to avoid endless arguments between opposite advocates .
In the sample play, if a Referee unilaterally decides that a team is gaining an unfair advantage by creating a delay of game
(which would be the epitome of illegally consuming or conserving time) he is authorized to negate that illgotten gain, and his judgment on that matter is absolute and final.