Coach had a beef

[eventnyc]

This was discussed at our association's meeting.

Some schools use official timers that are usually older members of our association. They are unable to work the field and perform as timers. When they are working, no 4 minute warning is given as the scoreboard clock is the official timepiece. Naturally, the LJ also keeps the time on the field. The referee of one of our crews described the following. During his game a first down was gained (in the field of play) with six seconds remaining in the game. The crew signaled that the clock be stopped to move the chains. The referee glanced up at the clock noting the six seconds. For some unknown reason the official timer failed to stop the clock and allowed the six seconds to wind down to zero. The referee had to get the timers attention to reset the clock. He then informed both coaches of the error. The offense, by virtue of the time wasted resetting the clock, was able to call two plays ahead of the clock restarting. The opposing coach had plenty to say to the crew after the game. The snafu did not cost his team the game. We discussed that since the clock was official, the referee acted properly in having the clock reset. Any thoughts?

[mcrowder]

I can't understand what you mean by "able to call 2 plays". There's only 6 seconds left. Surely if they were alert they were going to get 1 play off, and the referee's PROPER actions gave the offense the same 6 seconds to get off a play. The coach had no beef here.

[schwinn]

A probably called a spike for their first play, then called a regular play after the clock became dead following the spike. They drew this up while the R was getting the clock reset.

[waltjp]

I don't see the harm in A having a chance to call 2 plays while the clock was reset. If there wasn't a clock problem they would have spiked the ball and then had to signal or send in a player from the sideline with the play - just like they do for every other play of the game.