When does the clock start? (NF)

[Jim S]

Originally posted by Jaysef
I read "Referee" from October, and on page 21, Rogers Redding explained "If administering a penalty is one of the reasons for stopping the clock, remember the two iron-clad principles for starting it again: the clock should start as it would have if there had been no foul and the clock starts on the snap if the ball will next belong to team B no matter why it was stopped. The second reason trumps the first."

Correct a dumb rookie if I'm wrong, but aren't we killing the clock on each and every 4th down play, due to the fact that either A, or B is getting a new series?

If I am to take Redding's words as gospel, and consider why the clock was stopped as if there was no foul in the original situation (stated 6 pages ago :4th and 10, and R muffs punt, with K recovering), after K regained possession of the muff, was it in advance of the line to gain? If not, R would take over on downs, and the clock would start on the snap. If the recovered muff IS in advance of the LTG, then K is awarded a new series, chains move, and clock starts on RFP.

Sorry to add to this convoluted discussion, but I need clarification.

J

You're missing a point here with your question about whether the ball wound up beyond the LTG. R was the first to touch the kick beyond the expanded neutral zone. So, if there is not an accepted non-psk foul (note that part of the rule) the ball will belong to the team in possession at the end of the down and they will be awarded a new series. 5.1.3f

As to stopping the clock after a 4th down, what rule(s) says that we stop the clock here? That will point you in the right direction. (Papers must be submitted by the end of class on Thursday)

[Edited by Jim S on Sep 29th, 2005 at 02:08 PM]