Clock Status?

[jtparker12]

I agree that the clock should run at the end of 3rd Down too. Essentially, it is similar to the QB taking a knee at the end of the game to run the clock out, but my other colleagues view it differently. Some of them are under the impression that the clock should stop. That's why I was hoping to get a definitive rule citing or case book citing so that I can show them. I have scavenged the NFHS Rule and Case Books, and there is no definitive case book situation that spells it out, unless I am not looking in the right place. Instead, it is broken over different situations, which becomes somewhat confusing and arduous to decipher.

[bisonlj]

BBR has the right answer. The rules that discuss when the clock stops do not list this situation. So the clock keeps running. This is usually done on 4th down so the clock would stop because a new series is going to be awarded to team B/R. There also isn't a rule that says the clock will keep going if the runner is tackled in bounds on 2nd down.

[maven]

Originally Posted by jtparker12

I agree that the clock should run at the end of 3rd Down too. Essentially, it is similar to the QB taking a knee at the end of the game to run the clock out, but my other colleagues view it differently. Some of them are under the impression that the clock should stop. That's why I was hoping to get a definitive rule citing or case book citing so that I can show them.

You've got the right answer, and for the right reason: the holder made the ball dead in a way precisely analogous to a runner touching his knee to the ground. In that situation, the clock continues to run.

We don't have any rules that say, "the clock continues to run." The clock always runs until it is stopped. Your "colleagues" need to find a rule that stops the clock in this situation. Since there isn't one, they will owe you a beverage.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by maven

We don't have any rules that say, "the clock continues to run." The clock always runs until it is stopped. Your "colleagues" need to find a rule that stops the clock in this situation. Since there isn't one, they will owe you a beverage.

This, exactly.

I fail to see any reason that anyone would think the clock needs to stop. The ball-carrier's knee was down in bounds. That's all there is to this situation.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by jtparker12

I agree that the clock should run at the end of 3rd Down too. Essentially, it is similar to the QB taking a knee at the end of the game to run the clock out, but my other colleagues view it differently. Some of them are under the impression that the clock should stop. That's why I was hoping to get a definitive rule citing or case book citing so that I can show them. I have scavenged the NFHS Rule and Case Books, and there is no definitive case book situation that spells it out, unless I am not looking in the right place. Instead, it is broken over different situations, which becomes somewhat confusing and arduous to decipher.

The rule is written so that in the absence of certain conditions, the clock runs. If none of those conditions are met, the clock should run. The burden should be on those who claim it stops to give a rule reference.