Clock Start Question

[Rich]

The NFHS needs to go to the NCAA timing rules. Seriously, when we made the switch from the old timing rules on changes of possession, we ended up adding another 10+ minutes to every game that we still haven't recovered.

Now it's virtually impossible to finish a HS game in under 2 hours when that used to be a regular occurrence.

(Quite frankly, the NCAA timing rules are for show. There's no reason to stop the clock at all on an out of bounds play outside of 2 minutes of either half. Or on a first down.)

[CT1]

Originally Posted by Rich

The NFHS needs to go to the NCAA timing rules. Seriously, when we made the switch from the old timing rules on changes of possession, we ended up adding another 10+ minutes to every game that we still haven't recovered.

Now it's virtually impossible to finish a HS game in under 2 hours when that used to be a regular occurrence.)

I estimate that the clock rule added 15 minutes to my games. More incomplete passes and kickoffs have added about another 20. Our standard 20-min. halftime (used to be 15) plus the mandatory 3-minute warmup have added another 8.

So, my 1:45 average game has turned into about 2:20. It's a good thing I'm getting paid $15 more.

[jchamp]

Originally Posted by CT1

So, my 1:45 average game has turned into about 2:20. It's a good thing I'm getting paid $15 more.

By my math, you're able to bill that extra 35 minutes (average) at $25.71/hour. That's a pretty decent wage in most parts of the country!

[Welpe]

Add in all of the pre, post game and prep work and that hourly wage plunges pretty dramatically.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Welpe

Add in all of the pre, post game and prep work and that hourly wage plunges pretty dramatically.

Today was a day off and I was probably in the books for at least 2 hours today. And it was a light day. Where do I send my bill?

I did a Saturday college game earlier this season where I earned less than $10/hour if you considered my time from when I left the house and when I returned.

[HLin NC]

Change in the timing rules has little to do with Federation game times. The biggest reason is the increased passing game with more incomplete passes. Add talent inequity like the game I had two or three weeks ago with 10 total TD in the first half and we never get off the field before 10:00 now.

[BktBallRef]

Originally Posted by HLin NC

Change in the timing rules has little to do with Federation game times.

I can't agree with you. Starting on the snap after a change of possession has added 10-15 minutes. 3 minute warmup has added 3 more.

Proof: JV games here use 12 minutes quarters but we use the old timing rules. Most JV games last 2 hours or less.

[CT1]

Originally Posted by HLin NC

Change in the timing rules has little to do with Federation game times.

My estimate of 15 minutes is based on the difference in our association's game times in the season (1994?) that the new rule took effect. Same players, same style of offense -- the only difference was the rule change.

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by Rich

Today was a day off and I was probably in the books for at least 2 hours today. And it was a light day. Where do I send my bill?

I did a Saturday college game earlier this season where I earned less than $10/hour if you considered my time from when I left the house and when I returned.

When I talk to some people, they comment on how well we are paid. ($50 / high school game, which takes 2 hours.)

I tell them for every hour we spend on the field, we spend at least an hour off the field. This includes clinics, conferences, camps, etc.

Then we have our uniform, etc. I spend some each year on items that need replacing.

Most people are shocked to hear what we actually get paid all things considered.

[bisonlj]

Originally Posted by CT1

I estimate that the clock rule added 15 minutes to my games. More incomplete passes and kickoffs have added about another 20. Our standard 20-min. halftime (used to be 15) plus the mandatory 3-minute warmup have added another 8.

So, my 1:45 average game has turned into about 2:20. It's a good thing I'm getting paid $15 more.

I've only been doing this under the current timing rules but the quickest varsity game I've ever had was probably 2:10. They are usually 2:20 to 2:30. We've had a couple go over 3:00 but that is because of a lot of scoring, a lot of fouls, or a lot of incomplete passes (or a combination). I think starting the clock on OOB plays like NCAA does would cut out at least 10-15 minutes.

[Rich]

Our fastest games are ones where we have a running clock the entire second half (we have a 35 point second half running clock rule). Those can be over in under 2 hours, but they're lousy games.