Delay on B?

[dumbref]

Originally posted by OnlyRefFB
While I agree with the others that the LJ should not have granted the time-out (under 3-5-5), I disagree that this cannot be ruled delay of game. Just because the LJ made a mistake does not dismiss the actions by B.

I think that under 3-6-2(f) a five yard delay of game penalty can be appropriate. Judgement call? Yes...But that's why we get the big bucks.

(Fed 3-6-2: Action or inaction which prevents promptness in putting the ball in play is delay of game. This includes:
(f) Any other conduct which unduly prolongs the game.)

I looked at 3-6-2f as a justification also. The problem "prevents promptness in putting the ball in play" - the RFP had been given so B's action did not prevent the RFP. It was the officials that stopped the clock in error.

I do feel that A was put at disadvantage though:

1. The defense was calling the timeout because it was not ready for a no-huddle and could not get organized. Our stopping the clock allowed them to get set.

2. A was set and the snap was imminent. While we re-set the 25 sec. clock, they will loose time on the game clock. Maybe not much but some. Faced with the situation again, I would follow Bob M.’s suggestion with one alteration. I would allow A to get set before the RFP and winding the clock. I would only do that if they were set before the clock was stopped.

That may not be by rule either - but it is as fair as I know how to make it.