I use a countdown timer on my handy Timex, but I do also note the start time on my watch as a backup. I announce loud enough for all to hear (but not to coaches individually), "We are on the clock. Game time is whatever is on your watch right now." In that way, I make it plain that I understand that we didn't synchronize every watch in the crowd, nor do I care to do that.

Steve, JEL ... thanks for the information. I guess that only makes sense that if we are to enforce "no jewelry" rules, that we abide by them as well.

I never thought about asking a player to remove a watch; but have asked players to remove earrings and "bling bling" size necklaces. But now that I re-read 3.6.F, I guess watches are covered too if they'll specifically exempt medical alert bracelets.

One of these days, I'll get to tournament-quality. I guess I can keep my watch in my pocket in the meantime.

Thanks, everybody.

Ditto!!!

The leagues I work says to start the time as soon as the pregame conference ends. As soon as the coin flip winner says "we'll be home" or "we'll bat first", I say "clock starts now!" Love the Chinese fire drill that follows!

Here in Israel we have an easy way of ensuring start times. At one of our fields, the lights go out at a pre-determined time. And when the lights are out there, it is black a coal.

The suggestion to enforce start times, by enforcing end times, is, I think, the best.

AFA utilizes the first warm up pitch thingy. We are however, allowed to start if
the team huddle last too long after the plate conference is over. Worked good this week.