Out of bounds mechanics

[JKinATL29]

Originally Posted by gr8fuldiver

1. If the runner is initially down inbounds very close to the line and winds up out of bounds , and I deem his forward motion was NOT stopped before he was down, what and how do I signal (both first down and others please)?

2. If the runner is forced out of bounds before he is down or runs out on his own, what and how do I signal (both first down and others please)?

3. If I deem the runners forward momentum has stopped BEFORE he is out of bounds (I.E. he has stopped moving forward and is pushed backwards out of bounds), what and how do I signal (both first down and others please)? I think I have this one....wouldn't you wind the clock then stop it because he went out of bounds?

1. You have him down inbounds...wind the clock to communicate this to your crew and coaches (at least the ones paying attention). If he isn't past the line to gain, no other signal is needed. If it is a first down, follow the winding signal by stopping the clock. This signifies that the clock is stopped only for the first down and will roll again on the RFP. You will also want to verbally (or otherwise, discuss during pregame) explain this to the R as he is preparing to blow the RFP.

2. You have him out of bounds...simply stop the clock. The clock will not start until the snap, first down or not.

3. If you have ruled his forward progress to be down inbounds, same as #1.

[Rich]

The "wind then stop" mechanic was removed from the NFHS Officials Manual prior to last season. The proper mechanic now is:

Stop the clock if:

(1) The runner is inbounds and it's a first down
(2) The runner is out of bounds

Communicate the clock status to the referee and the rest of the crew using signals the crew has agreed to beforehand.

Run the clock if it's not a first down and:

(1) The runner was tackled inbounds or
(2) The runner's progress was stopped inbounds

The wind then stop was eliminated because of the delay between the wind and the stop. Stop the clock, tell the R and the rest of the crew the clock is live on the RFP.

Keep in mind that these things are *all* local. If you're instructed to wind and then stop in your area, do it. It's not the book mechanic anymore, though.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Rich

The "wind then stop" mechanic was removed from the NFHS Officials Manual prior to last season. The proper mechanic now is:

Stop the clock if:

(1) The runner is inbounds and it's a first down
(2) The runner is out of bounds

Communicate the clock status to the referee and the rest of the crew using signals the crew has agreed to beforehand.

Run the clock if it's not a first down and:

(1) The runner was tackled inbounds or
(2) The runner's progress was stopped inbounds

This is what we're doing this year. We have signals to give the R from the wing, but they do not include winding the clock before stopping it.

[MD Longhorn]

No more double signals!!!!

If he's out of bounds OR if it's a first down - stop the clock.
If he's in bounds and it's not a first down - do nothing.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

No more double signals!!!!

If he's out of bounds OR if it's a first down - stop the clock.
If he's in bounds and it's not a first down - do nothing.

That might lead to some of the confusion Rich experienced and described in his other post -- the ECO is not sure whether the R will be starting the clock on the RFP so doesn't bother to look for the signal -- especially if the ECO is not aware of the mechanics change.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

That might lead to some of the confusion Rich experienced and described in his other post -- the ECO is not sure whether the R will be starting the clock on the RFP so doesn't bother to look for the signal -- especially if the ECO is not aware of the mechanics change.

That is why you have a conversation with the ECO before the game. It is the expected standard to talk to them to not only find out what they know, but to explain rules and situations that might apply. And even with the mechanics change, people still wind the clock then stop it. I actually thought this was a silly change as you are giving information to your crew as much as the clock guy.

Peace

[Rich]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

That is why you have a conversation with the ECO before the game. It is the expected standard to talk to them to not only find out what they know, but to explain rules and situations that might apply. And even with the mechanics change, people still wind the clock then stop it. I actually thought this was a silly change as you are giving information to your crew as much as the clock guy.

Peace

I think it's a good change. If the ECO turns away from the wing when he winds, then what?

If there's little time in the game and the "wind, then stop" results in a delay of stopping the clock for an extra second or two, then what?

I'm really working with my wings to eliminate the extra mechanic -- I'm the one that starts the clock anyway, so why is it needed if they're communicating with us? Our guys will kill the clock and then immediately signal to me and the crew that we're winding on the RFP. Really, this makes the most sense as a mechanic -- we stop the clock and THEN tell everyone that it will wind at the RFP.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

That might lead to some of the confusion Rich experienced and described in his other post -- the ECO is not sure whether the R will be starting the clock on the RFP so doesn't bother to look for the signal -- especially if the ECO is not aware of the mechanics change.

We should be talking with him beforehand... but just as in officiating any other sport - the possibility that someone else might not do their job correctly is not a good reason for us to do our jobs incorrectly.

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

If he's in bounds and it's not a first down - do nothing.

Slight quibble. If he's down in bounds and it is close to the sideline, wind it.