Notes For the Official Timekeepers and 25 Second Clock Operators
Thank you for being a part of our officiating crew for today’s game. We have prepared
this sheet to remind you of various items you will be asked to help us with before and
during today’s game. Just as we review rules and assignments before each game, we
ask that you take some time to review these notes also. Unfair advantages can be
gained by not starting or stopping the clock properly. Great care must be exercised by
you to see that no time lag occurs in starting or stopping the clock. If the officials on
the field are not making clear and distinct signals for you, please bring that to our
attention as soon as possible.
1. Pre-game
Please set up the game clock to run down for at least 30 minutes or more prior to the
game start time. We prefer it to be set at 60 minutes one hour prior to kick off. Once
the clock hits zero, you set the clock for 12 minutes.
2. Half-time
Unless you are told otherwise in the pre-game conference, please set the clock for
28 minutes at half-time. Start the clock on the winding signal you will get from the
referee (white hat) just before he leaves the field. He will do this once he determines
both teams have cleared the field.
3. Kickoffs
A new rule in 2003 directed that the clock start as soon as the ball is
legally touched in the field of play. We ask that you please watch the official closest
to the receiver and he will make the winding signal, which signifies when you start
the clock. That means that if it is caught in the end zone, we will not start the clock
until the runner crosses the goal line coming out. On a kickoff the covering official
will make the winding signal that signifies when you start the clock.
4. Stopping the clock
Anytime you see an official give the time-out signal, incomplete pass signal, touch
back signal, safety signal or the touchdown/successful field goal signal; the clock
should be stopped. Any official can request that the clock be stopped by making the
appropriate signal. Therefore you must be aware of all officials. NOTE: Sometimes
an official covering a play near the sideline will give the winding signal immediately
followed by the time-out signal. He is telling you the play ended in bounds but the
offense has made a first down so we are stopping the clock only to move the chains.
In that instance, the clock will start again on the ready for play signal.
5. Extra Point tries are always un-timed.
6. Starting the clock
If the clock is stopped, with the exception of kickoffs, start the clock whenever you
see the Referee (white hat) give the winding signal or whenever the ball is legally
snapped.
7. End of period
If your clock is equipped with a siren or horn, it may be sounded after the referee
holds the ball over his head signifying the end of the quarter. This will prevent a horn
when there might be a reason to extend the quarter.
8. Extending the period
The rules provide for certain situations when an untimed down can be played after
the period has ended. Whenever that occurs, the Referee will signal that holding
one finger over his head and making a circular motion with his forefinger.
9. Malfunction of the clock
If the clock malfunctions, please turn it off. The Back Judge will be responsible for
timing the game. Should either of the 25 second clocks malfunction, turn them both
off and the Back Judge will keep track of the 25 seconds on the field.
10. Overtime
If the game is tied at the end of regulation and the overtime rules are used,
remember that the clock should be turned off or set at 0:00 and not used. However,
the 25-second clock should be used during all overtime plays.
11. General
Any time the clock is running during a field goal attempt or punt and it only
shows 0.02 let it run to 0.00. We do not want to see the clock stop with less than 2
seconds on it after one of these two happenings.
Thank you for your assistance in today’s game. Because you are part
of the officiating crew today, please feel free to contact us if we can be
of any help. You are encouraged to offer suggestions to us on how we
can help you do your job better. Please keep this handout near the
clock for future games this season. Best of luck.