Untimed Down

[Suudy]

Originally Posted by bisonlj

Thanks for asking the question. This is another example where announcers make our lives very difficult.

Not just the play-by-play guys, but the clock operator and stadium announcer as well.

Oh, five or six years ago, we had a hold on the last timed down in the first quarter. When the clock was stopped for the penalty (the play ended in bounds), there as about :10 left on the clock. The coach decided to let the clock run out (I'm in WA, so NFHS rules). Our WH (the experienced, classy guy that he is) walked to both head coaches, explained there would be one untimed down, then made the signal and signaled the ready. At the snap, the clock operator started the clock. We then had to send a runner to the press box to tell him what happened. It was an ugly, lengthy delay, and there was grumbling from the fans. But at least the coaches knew what was up, and they were good with it.

We did a quarterfinal a few years back. Big stadium, big schools. We had a pass interference right at the end of the first quarter. Once again, we notified the coaches and went on with the untimed down. We enforced the penalty and signaled an untimed down. The announcer, over the PA, said "Um, Mr Official, the quarter is over." We nodded and said "Yes, we know." He persisted. "Hey guys, the quarter is over." We nodded again. We ran the play and and then went on. At halftime, the announcer came down and asked why we didn't take care of the end of the quarter. After explanation, he understood. Again, we looked cheesy, but again, the coaches knew what was up.