Clock did not start

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by mbyron

Is there a difference between "definite" and "precise" knowledge? Could I definitely know that about 10 seconds should come off the clock?

The funny thing there is no "precise" definition in the rules what he word "definite" means as it relates specifically to this rule. And the rule gives officials the power to use their counts and other information to help decide. And in this case the official had definite knowledge the clock should have started. He/she had definite knowledge the clock was not supposed to sit at 8:00 on the clock after play had continued. And unless you can show me evidence of something, there is nothing that says he/she did not have definite knowledge the clock should be at that point in the game. Unless you are a mind reader or know how people draw conclusions about things, you have no "definite" knowledge they did or did not apply the rule. Of course they could tell you, but I find it funny that people seem to know things by only reading some words on a discussion board.

Peace

[just another ref]

The phrase in the book on this issue is "definite information relative to the time involved." I personally don't think a sentence containing "about" or "at least" could be considered definite information. But forget about the books for a minute. Common sense tells us that in this case 8:00 left on the clock cannot be correct. But why tinker with the rule if you don't have a count on how much time to take off? A few extra seconds on the clock at the beginning of a quarter does not provide an advantage or disadvantage for either team. Forget it and move on.