Starting the clock after a penalty Federation

[Bob M.]

Originally posted by Forksref
Last year we had a team have two false starts in the last minute of the first half. The opposing coaches thought they were trying to run out the clock. It is not easy trying to determine "intent" of a team. We decided that next time we'd talk to the A QB about it and try to prevent any more. And, we'd decide to start the clock on the snap.

REPLY: I'm with Rut and the rest here. You don't really need to judge intent. As Forksref said, it's difficult...in fact too difficult for us to worry about. In a case such as this, give the benefit of the doubt to the offended team and keep the clock stopped. And don't say anything to anyone unless they ask. Note that if the offending team does ask, that's a pretty good sign that their actions were intentional!