NHFOA Quality Football in NH 40-Second Play :40 Clock Training Beginning with the 2019 football season, the National Federation has introduced a 40-second play clock, closely resembling what has been in use within the NCAA for over a decade and in the NFL in one form or another since 1988. The new 40-second Play Clock will be used in conjunction with the 25-second Play Clock to govern game flow OVERVIEW Ensures a consistent interval between plays independent of officials’ making the ball ready for play and referees’ intervals for blowing RFP. Teams will not need to adapt their pace to different officiating crews. Expiration of either play clock prior to the snap (or free kick) results in a delay of game foul. Key Learning #1 – Play Clock vs. Ready-for-Play The start of the play clock and the ready for play—which in the past have always occurred simultaneously—are now two separate events occurring at different times for the most part. o The 40-second Play Clock starts when the ball becomes dead by rule on PLAY CLOCK the previous play o When the 40-second clock governs the play, the Ready-for-Play occurs when the ball is set in position at the succeeding spot for the next play vs and the umpire has moved into position. The Play Clock will already be running. READY FOR o The 25-second Play Clock (when used) will start with the Ready-for-Play signal as in the past o With the 40- or 25-second play clock, it is possible the ball may be PLAY snapped prior to the down-marker indicator being set. Should this rare situation occur, the HEAD LINESMAN shall drop a bean bag at the spot where the DOWN-MARKER INDICATOR OPERATOR shall spot the down-marker indicator. Under no circumstances will the play clock be re- set to 25-seconds because of a slow chain crew. Key Learning #2 – Play Clock vs. Game Clock If the Game Clock continues to run when the ball PLAY CLOCK becomes dead, the 40-second play clock will govern vs the next play, unless interrupted. GAME CLOCK Under new rule, the Game Clock may start independently—while the Play Clock is already running. (“Silent wind”…more later) Key Learning #3 – Ready-for-play & Whistles RFP & No RFP whistle needed when the 40-second play clock WHISTLES is governing the action RFP whistle only used when 25-second play clock governs the action Key Learning #4 – New Signals There are several new signals to be used in conjunction with the new play clock rules NEW SIGNALS oDead ball signal o25-second clock reset signal o40-second clock reset signal oVisible count by BJ of the last 5 seconds Dead ball signal o “Show of Hands” signal o One arm fully extended DEAD BALL above shoulder, open palm o Indicates that the covering SIGNAL official has ruled the ball dead o Accompanied by whistle o Signals the BJ to start the 40-second play clock 25-Second Play Clock Reset “Single Pump” (one palm face up) “SINGLE Alerts BJ to reset play clock to 25 PUMP” seconds and to start on R’s signal Typically repeated three times Used after administrative stoppage 40-Second Play Clock Reset Rarely needed “DOUBLE “Double Pump” (two palms face up) PUMP” Alerts BJ to reset play clock to 40 seconds and to start on R’s signal Typically repeated three times If the officials stop the game clock for any of the following reasons, the referee shall signal that the play clock should be reset at 25 seconds (“single pump”) and started on his RFP signal1 o Penalty administration. ADMINISTRATIVE o Charged, media, or officials timeouts (except to award Team A a STOPPAGES = first down) 25-SECOND PLAY o Team B/R is awarded a first down. o After a kick down. CLOCK o After a score. o Start of subsequent period. o Start of a team’s possession series in an overtime period. o Other administrative stoppage. o IW administration 1 Note that some of these stoppages may interrupt a running 40-second Play Clock “Silent Wind” If the officials stop the game clock because Team A has advanced beyond the line to gain (awarded a first down), the 40-second Play Clock will start on the dead “SILENT WIND” OF ball/time out signal. GAME CLOCK Once the ball has been set ready- for-play, the referee will signal the Game Clock to restart with signal #2 (Start Clock) but will NOT sound his whistle (“Silent Wind”)2 2 Note that the 40-second Play Clock will be ‘in progress’ at this point in time. Signals BBs will be on their respective sideline Ball is RFP when U places ball and moves into position. U will communicate with snapper during “hurry up” offense-”Please give me a 2019 second to get back”. Mechanics BJ will raise arm at the last 10 seconds then provide a visible changes count of the last 5 seconds. As BJ times TOs- they will sound whistle at 45 seconds and again when 60 second interval expires. The 25 and 40 second play clock has a quick vibration warning with Ready Ref/Ref 10 seconds remaining, then will vibrate in 1 second increments for the last 5 seconds. The 60 second timer has a vibration warning 15 Smart timers seconds remaining, then again when the timer reaches 0..