Stop the clock?

[Jim D]

A has the right to get the play off and, in this case, proved that they could, so stopping the clock would not give them an unfair advantage (I realize this is hindsight). To have the U stand over the ball and not have a RFP would be unfair to A.

Now the next question is, if A is likely to get the kick off, how bad do we want to be in position to rule on the kick? I'm not talking about if the guys should have been in position, it was evident to the R that they weren't and the kick is immanent.

Stopping the clock will give A a small advantage but it is the better option here to ensure proper coverage. It's the same priciple as stopping the clock to let players unpile or to retreive the ball.

[RonRef]

Originally Posted by Jim D

A has the right to get the play off and, in this case, proved that they could, so stopping the clock would not give them an unfair advantage (I realize this is hindsight). To have the U stand over the ball and not have a RFP would be unfair to A.

Now the next question is, if A is likely to get the kick off, how bad do we want to be in position to rule on the kick? I'm not talking about if the guys should have been in position, it was evident to the R that they weren't and the kick is immanent.

Stopping the clock will give A a small advantage but it is the better option here to ensure proper coverage. It's the same priciple as stopping the clock to let players unpile or to retreive the ball.

The original post says they (HL and BJ) were not under the GP when the ball was kicked, call me crazy but during a FG it helps to have officials under the GP. What is the avg. time between plays? I thought I read some where that the BIG 10 was at anywhere from 12-16 seconds on avg.

[Jim D]

Originally Posted by RonRef

The original post says they (HL and BJ) were not under the GP when the ball was kicked, call me crazy but during a FG it helps to have officials under the GP. What is the avg. time between plays? I thought I read some where that the BIG 10 was at anywhere from 12-16 seconds on avg.

I agree it helps to be in proper position - that's why I'd stop the clock until they got there. The "problem" in this play is not with A - they can get the play off (and did) nor with B. It's making sure the officials are ready. There are three choices - 1) let A kick with the crew out of position; 2) Don't let A kick (hold up RFP) or 3) Stop the clock, get in position and then let A go.

I don't like 1 because the crew could miss the call and I don't like 2 because it denies A a shot at a score that they can (and did) have. In this particular play, I think 3 is the best option.

PS - Even in a hurry up, we should work at a reasonable pace. We don't need to throw players off of a pile or fling the ball all over just to help A. But if, using our proper pacing, everyone else is ready but the BJ & LJ, then I think it's best to stop and let them get in position.

[JasonTX]

We've pretty much beat this one to a pulp. You guys may do things differently in Fed, but NCAA has a rule that is specific on this issue. If you've been keeping a good pace throughout the game and then all of a sudden the last play of the game you frantically rush because time is running out, then you didn't follow what the rules says below about being consistent.

Rule 3-4-2-a: The ball shall be declared ready for play consistently
throughout the game by the referee when the officials are in position.
Consuming more than 25 seconds to put the ball in play after it is
declared ready for play is an illegal delay.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by JasonTX

We've pretty much beat this one to a pulp. You guys may do things differently in Fed, but NCAA has a rule that is specific on this issue. If you've been keeping a good pace throughout the game and then all of a sudden the last play of the game you frantically rush because time is running out, then you didn't follow what the rules says below about being consistent.

Rule 3-4-2-a: The ball shall be declared ready for play consistently
throughout the game by the referee when the officials are in position.
Consuming more than 25 seconds to put the ball in play after it is
declared ready for play is an illegal delay.

Jason, this is a game management issue, NOT a rules issue. Frankly, I don't CARE what the rulebook says -- and this can't simply be dismissed as a NFHS/NCAA difference.

I've seen plenty of NCAA crews (working actual NCAA games) hustle like crazy at the end of games to get the ball spotted to be played or spiked.

Not hustling at the right time to get the ball RFP, where I've officiated, would be seen as a remarkable lack of understanding of the game.