Question for the R's out there.

[JugglingReferee]

The benefit of winding the clock in when it should be wound in is that you don't need to have a timer who is versed in the timing rules.

In my neck of the woods, we get volunteer timers (old coaches, some parents, etc) and we do a 2-minnute pre-game with them. We show them the stop the clock signal and the start the clock signal. If they follow those signals, everything will be fine.

If a play should start on the snap, then without a signal, the timer must know that the clock goes with the snap, and therefore, that requires more knowledge than just following instructions. I bet there is some degree of training, availability, etc... that might not always be present.

[CO ump]

Originally Posted by JugglingReferee

The benefit of winding the clock in when it should be wound in is that you don't need to have a timer who is versed in the timing rules.

In my neck of the woods, we get volunteer timers (old coaches, some parents, etc) and we do a 2-minnute pre-game with them. We show them the stop the clock signal and the start the clock signal. If they follow those signals, everything will be fine.

If a play should start on the snap, then without a signal, the timer must know that the clock goes with the snap, and therefore, that requires more knowledge than just following instructions. I bet there is some degree of training, availability, etc... that might not always be present.

"Mr or Ms Timer, The clock stops when any striped shirt does this" (Show clock stop signal) "The clock starts when the guy with thewhite hat does this"(show clock start signal) "The clock ALSO starts when the ball is snapped, do you know what 'Snapped' means?" If I get a "yes" then I've got my training in, in less than 2 minutes. If I get a "no" then I get a new operator and start the vigorous training all over again.