End of Half Delay of Game Question

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by Robert Goodman

But a delay of game foul can occur because a team tries to conserve time illegally too. There are various things a participant might do to stop the clock which are not otherwise illegal but can be penalized under 3-6-2.

There's also the general coverage under 3-4-6.

Neither of these. However, defensive player touching or moving the ball first after the official has placed it and before the offense has approached the ball would be a delay of game foul designed to conserve time. Doesn't mean the initial rule you were quoted earlier is wrong - but the referee can, in his discretion, start the clock at the ready in this situation - albeit using a completely different rule to do so.