Is the official correct?

[Scrapper1]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

For a varsity contest, not only do the opposing coaches have to agree to shorten the quarter, but so does the referee per the first sentence of 5-5-3.

While this is true, it is irrelevant to the question in the original post. The original question was:

The Referee tells the coaches that the quarter can't be shortened. Is the official correct?

The quarter can be shortened. It requires the referee's consent, but it can be shortened. The official in the question is incorrect.

[Nevadaref]

Not so clear on that, Scrapper. Perhaps the official didn't wish to shorten it and simply told the coaches no. The OP did not post any reason. He didn't write, "The referee tells the coaches that the rules forbid him from allowing that." On the other hand it also doesn't say, "The referee tells the coaches that THEY can't shorten the quarter."

It can certainly be taken in a different manner just as the exam question that I posted. Some may believe that the answer to that question should be true and could make a good case for that.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

He didn't write, "The referee tells the coaches that the rules forbid him from allowing that."

I'd say the word "can't" means exactly that in this context.

[tjones1]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

Not so clear on that, Scrapper. Perhaps the official didn't wish to shorten it and simply told the coaches no. The OP did not post any reason. He didn't write, "The referee tells the coaches that the rules forbid him from allowing that." On the other hand it also doesn't say, "The referee tells the coaches that THEY can't shorten the quarter."

It can certainly be taken in a different manner just as the exam question that I posted. Some may believe that the answer to that question should be true and could make a good case for that.

This is what the OP was saying.

The referee was saying that the rules don't allow the quarter to be shortened.

The answer was meant to be the official was incorrect. Upon the referee's agreement, by rule, a quarter may be shortened at any time as long as the two coaches and referee agree.

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

Maybe. Perhaps the OP will fill us in on what he was thinking when he wrote the scenario. There is a possibility that the OP didn't even realize that the referee must also consent. If he didn't, then he will learn something from this thread too. I don't know what he thought process was, but we might find out.

FTR, I knew.