Game time clock issue

[rngrck]

Worked Freshman and JV game tonite. After 1st game, my partner (REF) tells the the timer to delay 10 minute start time for 2nd game until he returns from the locker room in 2 minutes or so. His return was apparentedly delayed and timer decides (possibly from the schools A.D.) to start the10 minute run off. We come out with clock running and partner decides to issue tech foul on home team because he didn't authorize the clock starting. Was this the right decision? Was he initially authorized to hold the clock from starting in the first place?