Start/Stop Clock Signals

[Hartsy]

This runs right alongside a thread below but felt it worthy on its own merit. When signaling a violation, OOB, in particular, many officials do not use the Stop Clock signal (raised open hand). They just point the direction. Do any timers really watch for the signal anyhow? Surely they stop the clock on the whistle. They cant be looking at the referee's all game long, and can't see both of them at the same time anyhow.

Same goes for the Start Clock signal (chopping the clock). My guess is they don't even pay attention to this. At the end of a quarter, half, or game I would suggest a reminder to the timer where to look for these signals. I can't really see where this would be an issue any other time.

I see the value of these signals more for our partners than for the timing of the game. Necessary on double whistles where one may have a violation and the other a foul, but not of much value any other time.

One more observation, if signaling to stop clock was so important, wouldn't we need the open hand (stop clock)before a held ball signal and most foul signals?

Hartsy