Sideline Warning (under 2 minutes)

[VA Official]

Originally Posted by CT1

I believe they do have the option. Here's why:

Team A leads by 2 with 40 seconds remaining in the game & the clock running. B is out of timeouts. With 5 seconds remaining on the play clock, A's coach steps into the restricted area, shouts to his QB, and is flagged for a SW.

If we restart the clock after this warning, Team A can end the game without having to snap the ball, and has gained an advantage not intended by the rules.

I agree. A sideline warning is a foul and the penalty prescribed for the first offense is a warning. The penalty is accepted without inquiry because it is of no consequence and doesn't change anything for either team whether it's accepted or declined. So an accepted penalty means 2 minute options for the offended team. This isn't clearly defined and is definitely a gray area, so consulting a state interpreter is a good idea. For Virginia, our interpreter has ruled that the offended team is awarded the timing option. Other states may obviously differ.