Alabama-Arkansas final minute

[parepat]

Does anyone else think that we are heading into a murky area here. If they want to put a time frame on it, fine. Otherwise, they should give is some guidelines. Otherwise we are left with the language within the rule which refers to "illegally consuming time". What response do we have to the coach that asks "how was my false start illegally consuming time". Likewise, the 10 second runoff occurs within the last minute. Thus we only care about fouling to conserve time in the last minute but care about fouls to consume time in the last 2 minutes? 4 minutes?

[BoomerSooner]

Originally Posted by parepat

Does anyone else think that we are heading into a murky area here. If they want to put a time frame on it, fine. Otherwise, they should give is some guidelines. Otherwise we are left with the language within the rule which refers to "illegally consuming time". What response do we have to the coach that asks "how was my false start illegally consuming time". Likewise, the 10 second runoff occurs within the last minute. Thus we only care about fouling to conserve time in the last minute but care about fouls to consume time in the last 2 minutes? 4 minutes?

I'll start by saying I think this is a valid point, and I agree it would be nice to have a set standard.

With that said, my feeling is that to address the issue in the absence of an established standard (some might call it a rule), we have to explore the underlying issues at play...so here goes.

In the case of trying to illegally conserve time, the team that is behind in the score is trying to cause the clock to be stopped and violates a rule while doing so (illegal formation, illegal shift, etc). In addition to the typical penalty enforcement, there is a clearly defined penalty in the form of a 10 second runoff to address the issue of illegally conserving time. Additionally there is no process by which the offense can repeat the act and conserve more time. If time is conserved illegally without penalty, the benefit gained is somewhat limited.

On the other side of coin, the team trying to consume time is typically ahead. There is an established amount of time that is allowed to elapse between plays. If the clock is continually allowed to run without running a play, a team could effectively gain the lead in the second half (or first half if they are scheduled to receive the second half kick) and never run another play. There is no penalty that allows for time to be put back on the clock. In addition the advantage gained is relatively unlimited.

With all of that in mind, the impact of each action dictates a different mindset for each case.

[ajmc]

If the SEC spokesperson presumes that EVERY FS under 5 minutes left, by a team that's ahead is a conscious act to illegally (steal) time off the game clock, who am I to doubt him. He certainly knows the thought process of SEC teams a lot better than I, however his judgment applies ONLY to the SEC.

If Rich is comfortable deciding that EVERY FS under a minute is also INTENDED to creat an unfair disadvantage, that's his perogative, as long as he's wearing the White Hat (or convince someone else who's wearing one).

INTENT is what often differentiates "Illegal" from an otherwise honest "mistake".

However the rule, as currently written, provides for that decision (Snap or Ready) to be made by the Referee of the game in which the situation happens, so really all that matters is the judgment of the White Hat in that particular game. Presuming those decisions are made, "in the spirit of good sportsmanship"..."The Referee's decisions are final in all matters pertaining to the game" (matters distinctly specified in the rules, or not).

[parepat]

Originally Posted by ajmc

However the rule, as currently written, provides for that decision (Snap or Ready) to be made by the Referee of the game in which the situation happens, so really all that matters is the judgment of the White Hat in that particular game. Presuming those decisions are made, "in the spirit of good sportsmanship"..."The Referee's decisions are final in all matters pertaining to the game" (matters distinctly specified in the rules, or not).

Unfortunately this is not the case in the Arkansas - Alabama game as the R was outed by his own coordinator. Unless there was a previously memo on this issue by the SEC, I think this R got shafted.

What I think we should do is create a Ref Czar, force all officials to join one organization, charge high dues, and pay the czar handsomely so that he could set guidelines in these types of matters.

[jTheUmp]

Originally Posted by parepat

What I think we should do is create a Ref Czar, force all officials to join one organization, charge high dues, and pay the czar handsomely so that he could set guidelines in these types of matters.

Hmmm.... interesting idea.

I propose the name of this organization be "College Football Officiating" or "College Football Officials"... that would at least provide with a handy acronym for use in both formal and informal settings.

[APG]

Originally Posted by parepat

Unfortunately this is not the case in the Arkansas - Alabama game as the R was outed by his own coordinator. Unless there was a previously memo on this issue by the SEC, I think this R got shafted.

What I think we should do is create a Ref Czar, force all officials to join one organization, charge high dues, and pay the czar handsomely so that he could set guidelines in these types of matters.

From what I've heard, SEC mechanics and philosophy state that under five minutes in the 4th, that the clock should start on the snap in this situation.

I'm also willing to bet though that 99/100 times, given similar circumstances, a D-I referee regardless of the conference, would start this on the snap. I'd also bet on seeing a rule change in the near future as well.