10-second Runoff

[Bobtheicon]

Thought I got screwed by the non-enforcement of this rule in the Dallas/Arizona game. And thought it helped me by it's non-existence in the college game last night.

Jeff Triplett (sp?) said that an illegal formation does not warrant a 10-second runoff. So, I was thinking that even if they had the rule in college (which they should), then that play wouldn't have warranted a 10-second runoff either.

Here is the rule. Looks like Triplett was right and even if the rule existed in college, there would NOT have been a 10-second runoff (illegal formation, too many men on the field -- these penalties do not stop the clock - see subsection F).

Section 7 Actions to Conserve Time

Article 1
A team is not permitted to conserve time inside of one minute of either half by committing any of the following acts:

(a) a foul by either team that prevents the snap (i.e., false start, encroachment, etc.)

(b) intentional grounding;

(c) an illegal forward pass thrown from beyond the line of scrimmage;

(d) throwing a backward pass out of bounds;

(e) spiking or throwing the ball in the field of play after a down has ended, except after a touchdown; or

(f) any other intentional foul that causes the clock to stop.

Penalty: For Illegally Conserving Time: Loss of five yards unless a larger distance penalty is applicable.

Rule 4, Section 6, Article 3

When actions referred to above are committed by the offensive team while time is in, officials will run 10 seconds off the game clock before permitting the ball to be put in play on the ready-for-play signal. The game clock will start on the ready-for-play signal.

If the offensive team has timeouts remaining, it will have the option of using a timeout in lieu of a 10-second runoff, in which case the game clock will start on the snap after the timeout.

The defense always has the option to decline the 10-second runoff and have the yardage penalty enforced, but if the yardage penalty is declined, the 10-second runoff is also declined.

If the action is by the defense, the play clock will be reset to 40 seconds, and the game clock will start on the ready signal, unless the offense chooses to have the clock start on the snap.

If the defense has timeouts remaining, it will have the option of using a timeout in lieu of the game clock being started.

[Bobtheicon]

I keep seeing Dooley's press conference where he is saying that is why that rule exists in the NFL. He's wrong. It wouldn't have mattered, and I think it makes him look like a dumbass.

[Dr. Jack]

I think they got it right although really makes for good forum and sports radio talk. If Tennessee kicked the extra point they probably don't care so much. I didn't have money on the game but I enjoyed watching both coaches & that game had as much swings you'll ever see in a game.

[Bobtheicon]

I don't know why this bothers me so much, but I was just watching highlights on ESPNU and one of the ESPN guys says that "in the NFL ANY offensive penalty while the clock is running constitutes a 10-second runoff".

I think subsection F is pretty clear. And it was the spike that stopped the clock, not the penalty. ESPN guy is wrong - they should have a fact checker of some sort read the rule posted above.

[cornbread]

The part the refs got wrong was the penalty yardage
5 yards is for too many people on field when someone is trying to get off the field
The penalty should have been a 15 yarder because the extra players were still within the play

[Bird12]

They may have gotten it right, but I don't like it. It doesn't seem right that if a team is running out of time they can do anything they want as long as they spike the ball. they can have 40 guys on the field, the RB can take the snap etc.....whatever is the quickest way to spike the ball....all they have to do is take their 5-yd penalty and then kick the field goal or throw their hail mary

also, how many times have teams run out of time trying to get set at the end of the first half in the red zone???....I could see this being used to their advantage BIG time....don't worry about getting set, just try a FG from 5 extra yards out

please correct if I am missing something, but this certainly bothers me as I understand it right now