Game Clock Rule

[ajmc]

think sometime we might forget that the purpose of any signal is to convey a message to someone who can't hear what we say. The Referee declares evety down RFP to alert everyone that play is about to start.

Most Referees offer 3 different signals to do so; a basic RFP signal to identify that the ball is ready when the clock is already running, an added "Wind" signal when the clock has been stopped and will start again at the RFP and some variation of the basic signal when the clock is stopped and will not start again until the actual snap.

All 3 signals are initially intended to send different messages to the other field officials, including whoever is running the official clock (either on the field or in the booth). These signals also have value, and are paid attention to, by coaches, announcers and smart players.

Of course each of the field officials, as well as the clock operator, should be well aware of the game situation and whether or not it dictates when the clock be started, but the Referee's signalling coordinates that action and serves as confirmation that everyone, who needs to understand precisely, when the clock starts and stops receives the same message at the same moment.

Some argue that multiple signals create redundancy, which although often technically correct, seem more concerned with sacrificing an added level of accuracy for some sense of brevity that offers no benefit whatsoever.