On-the-ready vs. on-the snap

[Bob M.]

REPLY: When a down ends and you stop the clock to complete a penalty (either accept or decline) that stoppage of the clock is an official's time out. See NF 3-5-7j: "An official's time-out occurs during a dead ball without a time-out being charged to either team: ...(j.) After a foul, to administer the penalty." Unless there was some other clock stopper that trumps your official's TO (e.g. incomplete pass, ball OOB, score, etc.) you'll start the clock on the ready.