Mechanics and clock situations (Video)

[deecee]

Play 1 is so confusing. The C held his signal long enough for the L to do his half-assed PC signal, which the C should have seen. The C then follows with another half-assed block signal. If I were the L and had a whistle here I would have deferred to the C if he also had his fist up as his look was much better than my guess.

Play 2. Ouch. Loss of 5 crucial seconds hurts.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by deecee

Loss of 5 crucial seconds hurts.

That's why I always keep a Cape Canaveral mental countdown for the last 10-15 seconds of a period. This allows me to anticipate the horn, and, as far as I'm concerned, also gives me definite knowledge (if needed).

Of course it's preferable, and more accurate, if I look at the clock when a whistle sounds (as either the calling, or noncalliing, official).

I should probably say almost always. Sometimes the action may be so intense and my concentration on such action so focused, that I may not realize that the period is close to ending. That's why I expect (as pregamed) my partner to signal me (index finger in air) if we're less than a minute, and I will do likewise (if I'm aware).

Once, or twice, a season the plan goes "awry" and an unexpected and unanticipated horn goes off, scaring the hell out of me, almost giving me another heart attack. I hate it when that happens. It's a good thing that most schools today have automated external defibrillators on hand. Otherwise I wouldn't be able to finish the game.

[ilyazhito]

That is why I give my partners the index finger in the air signal, and say 1 minute. At ~ 10 seconds remaining, if I am responsible for the clock, I tap my chest, to let my partners know that I have responsibility for the last-second shot. This allows me to anticipate the end of a period. I also make it a point to scan the clocks (DC, MD, and some local private school leagues use a shot clock) in transition, on changes of possesion, and whenever they start/stop.