Ready for Play

[Robert Goodman]

Originally Posted by JugglingReferee

CANADIAN MECHANIC:

Quick version...

The RFP is blown in when the R determines that the last offensive substitute has reached the huddle.

When did the criterion become A's reaching the huddle rather than both teams' subs entering the field?

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by Robert Goodman

When did the criterion become A's reaching the huddle rather than both teams' subs entering the field?

That's why I said "quick version". In practice, it's rare that B has a sub that is later than A. I know Rs at the higher levels do a quick check for B subs. If all game B subs quickly, I can see how some Rs will be caught off-guard if B has a slow sub.

[Ed Hickland]

Originally Posted by JugglingReferee

That's why I said "quick version". In practice, it's rare that B has a sub that is later than A. I know Rs at the higher levels do a quick check for B subs. If all game B subs quickly, I can see how some Rs will be caught off-guard if B has a slow sub.

Know this maybe a Canadian thing but why should subs determine when to ready the ball?

NFHS in its 1997 rule change basically chastised Rs for delaying the ready late in the game following a change of possession to allow for subs then changed the rule to always start the clock on the snap to assure consistency.

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by Ed Hickland

Know this maybe a Canadian thing but why should subs determine when to ready the ball?

NFHS in its 1997 rule change basically chastised Rs for delaying the ready late in the game following a change of possession to allow for subs then changed the rule to always start the clock on the snap to assure consistency.

For some plays, the NFL starts the 40-second play clock at the end of the previous play. The Cdn way is to not time how long it takes players to get back to their huddle. When a Cdn R is happy that a normal amount of time was given for players to return to their huddle, and for the new play to "get to the huddle," the RFP is given. When the NFL starts their 25-second play clock, it is akin to our 20-second play clock.

Our timing rules after the 3-minute warning (3MW) are geared towards exciting play. After the 3MW, and on COPs, we start on the snap. (Along with 6 other ways that end a play.)

It is consistent, but I agree not the most consistent.