PLAY CLOCK: CHANGES TO THE RULES
The new rules for 2018 include a couple of
changes regarding the play clock. These
are changes to Rule 3‑2‑4‑c‑7 and ‑8.
After a touchdown is scored the 40‑second play clock will be started
before the try, just as on a normal play during the game. Also, on a kickoff, including on a free kick
after a safety, when the ball becomes dead, the 40‑second play clock will be
started before the first play from scrimmage.
It will be very important for all play
clock operators to be very familiar with these changes. In the past for these situations, the
25‑second play clock would start on the signal by the Referee. Under the new rules, there will be no signal
from the Referee, because the play clock operator will start the 40‑second
clock just as on any other play in the game.
Coordinators
will need to make sure that play clock operators are trained for these new
rules during the summer clinics.
Rogers Redding
National Coordinator of Football Officials
June 2018