I am reprinting this information which came to me back in the spring when I asked about how best to prepare for my first NCAA scrimmage. I apologize for not noting who sent this info, but I was reviewing some notes and found it. I thought it was a nice piece so I’m reprinting it for all to read.
Subject: How to handle the clock
1. The biggest difference in College from High school is the 40/25 second play clock.
The Back Judge is the primary on the field official for ruling on the 40/25 second clock.
(delay of game penalty)
Easy way to remember this is the Rule of Five.
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Rule of Five
1. Inbounds
2. Out of bounds
3. Incomplete pass
4. Complete pass
5. First down
The play clock shall automatically default to 40 seconds and start immediately upon being re-set by the play clock operator when any official signals that the ball is dead after a play (the dead ball signal should be given)
Anything else the 25 sec will be used.
Such as:
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1. Penalty enforcement
2. Change of possession
3. Timeouts ( reviews, TV timeouts)etc.
4. Referee stoppage (measurement, injury timeouts) etc.
Another difference is the game clock.
Please review Rule 3 section 2. (Playing Time and Intermissions).
Side Judge should be the primary official for keeping the game clock on the field, but all officials should keep an eye on the clock.
Again the more eyes the better, if you notice some time extra time has run of the clock, SPEAK UP!! Tell the R how much time ran off, so he can communicate with the clock operator to put the correct time back on to the game clock.
In this game those 4 or 5 seconds do matter. Especially in a close game, a field goal attempt or an extra play could be a game changing play. Unlike High School the players at this level can make those 40 to 45 yard field goals.
The clock just doesn’t matter in the 2nd & 4th quarters. It matters in all the quarters – 1st, 2nd, 3rd, & 4th.
So remember always try to take a glimpse at the clock when you can. All officials are responsible for the game clock.
