RULE 3 Periods, Time Factors and Substitutions

f. Scoring: The team scoring the greater number of points during the regulation and extra periods shall be declared the winner. There shall be an equal number of series, as defined in (e) above, in each extra period, except if Team B scores during a period other than on the try. Beginning with the third extra period, team scoring a touchdown must attempt a two point try. A one point try by Team A (although not illegal) will not score a point.

EXAMPLES:

g. Fouls after a change of team possession:

1. Distance penalties against either team are declined by rule in extra periods (Exceptions: Penalties for flagrant personal fouls, dead-ball fouls and live-ball fouls treated as dead-ball fouls are enforced on the succeeding play).

2. A score by a team committing a foul during the down is cancelled.

3. If both teams foul during the down and Team B had not fouled before the change of possession, the fouls offset and the down is not replayed.

EXAMPLES:

After the end of the first series of a period by Team A, Team B commits a dead-ball foul. RULING: Team B starts its series on the 40-yard line, first and 10.

During the first series of a period, Team A passes and a Team A back is illegally in motion during the down. The pass is intercepted, and Team B commits a foul before scoring a touchdown. RULING: Score not allowed. The series is ended, and Team B begins its series on the 25-yard line.

During the second series of a period, Team B intercepts a pass and runs for a touchdown. During the run, Team B clips at midfield. RULING: Nullify the score, and if the score is tied, the next period will start with first and 10 at the 25-yard line.

During the first series of an extra period, B37 intercepts a forward pass and has a clear field to the goal line when he makes an obscene gesture towards the nearest opponent. RULING: Team B's score is cancelled and Team B begins its series on the 40-yard line, first and 10 (Rules 3-1-3, 3-1-3-g-1 and 3-1-3-g-2).

h. Timeouts: Each team shall be allowed one timeout for each extra period. Timeouts not used during the regulation periods may not be carried over into the extra period(s). Unused extra period timeouts may not be carried over to other extra periods. Timeouts between periods shall be charged to the succeeding period.

Radio and television timeouts are permitted only between extra periods (first and second, second and third, etc.). Charged team timeouts may not be extended for radio and television purposes. The extra period(s) begins when the ball is first snapped.

SECTION 2. Playing Time and Intermissions

Length of Periods and Intermissions

ARTICLE 1. The total playing time in a collegiate game shall be 60 minutes, divided into four periods of 15 minutes each, with one-minute intermissions between the first and second periods (first half) and between the third and fourth periods (second half) (Exception: A one-minute intermission between the first and second and the third and fourth quarters may be extended for radio and television timeouts).

a. No period shall end until the ball is dead and the referee declares the period ended [S14].

b. The intermission between halves shall be 20 minutes, unless altered before the game by mutual agreement of the administrations of both teams. Immediately after the second period ends, the referee should begin the intermission by signalling to start the game clock [S2].

Timing Adjustments

ARTICLE 2. Before the game starts, playing time and the intermission between halves may be shortened by the referee if he is of the opinion that darkness may interfere with the game. The four periods must be of equal length if the game is shortened before its start.

a. Any time during the game, the playing time of any remaining period or periods and the intermission between halves may be shortened by mutual agreement of the opposing head coaches and the referee.

b. Timing errors on the game clock may be corrected but shall be corrected only in the period in which they occur.

c. If the referee has positive knowledge of the elapsed time, he will reset and appropriately start the game clock.

d. Timing errors on a play clock may be corrected by the referee. The play clock shall start again (Rule 2-29-2).

e. When the play-clock count is interrupted by circumstances beyond the control of either team (without positive knowledge of game clock elapsed time), a new count shall be started and the game clock shall start per Rules 3-2-4-b or 3-2-4-d as appropriate.

f. The 40/25-second clock is not started when the game clock is running with fewer than 40 or 25 seconds, respectively, in a period.

g. The game clock should not be stopped if the play clock is started in conflict with Rule 3-2-2-f.

Extension of Periods

ARTICLE 3. A period shall be extended until a down (other than a try), free from live-ball fouls not penalised as dead-ball fouls, has been played when:

a. A penalty is accepted for a live-ball foul(s) not penalised as a dead-ball foul that occurs during a down in which time expires (Exception: Rule 10-2-2-g-1 ). (A.R. 3-2-3:I-VIII)

b. Offsetting fouls occur during a down in which time expires.

c. An inadvertent whistle is sounded or an official signals the ball dead during a down in which time expires.

Approved Ruling 3-2-3

1. During the extension of a period after the ball is ready for play and before the snap, Team A commits a foul. RULING: Dead-ball foul. Team A is penalised for the foul and is entitled to complete the down. [Cited by 3-2-3-a]
2. Time expires during Team A's free kick. A1 is offside on the kick. RULING: Penalty - Five yards from the previous spot, the end of Team B's run, or the touchback spot, and the period is extended. Repeat the free kick or Team B is awarded an untimed down. [Cited by 3-2-3-a]
3. Time expires during Team A's attempted field goal. Team B was offside or committed another foul less than three yards beyond the neutral zone during the kick. RULING: Penalty - Five, 10 or 15 yards from the previous spot, the period is extended (Rule 10-2-2-e Exception 3). [Cited by 3-2-3-a]
4. A Team A player interferes with the opportunity to catch a kick (not a try) during a down in which time expires. RULING: Penalty - 15 yards from the spot of the foul, the period is extended. [Cited by 3-2-3-a]
5. Time expires during Team A's run for a touchdown after A70 fouls at the snap or clips during the down. RULING: Penalty - Five yards from the previous spot or 15 yards from the basic spot, the period is extended. Fifteen yards from the previous spot, if the foul occurs behind the neutral zone. [Cited by 3-2-3-a]
6. Team A scores a touchdown during a down in which time expires. After the touchdown, but before the try, either team fouls. RULING: The period is not extended other than for the try. The penalty may be enforced on the try or the succeeding kickoff. [Cited by 10-2-2-g-3, 3-2-3-a]
7. Team A scores a touchdown during a down in which time expires. During Team A's successful try, Team B fouls. RULING: The period is not extended for the kickoff. Team A may accept the penalty and replay the try, or decline the penalty and accept the score. Penalties for personal fouls may be enforced on the subsequent kickoff or the succeeding spot in extra periods. [Cited by 10-2-2-g-5, 3-2-3-a, 8-3-3-b-1]
8. Team A scores a touchdown during a down in which time expires. After the try ends, either team commits a dead-ball foul. RULING: The try may be repeated due to an accepted penalty for a live-ball foul that occurred during the try; the penalty for the dead-ball foul will then also be enforced on the replayed try. The period is not extended to enforce a penalty for a dead-ball foul. If accepted, this penalty must be enforced on the kickoff to start the next period or at the succeeding spot in extra periods [Cited by 10-2-2-g-5, 3-2-3-a, 8-3-3-d-2]

Timing Devices

ARTICLE 4. a. Game clock. Playing time shall be kept with a game clock that may be either a stop watch operated by the line judge, back judge, field judge or side judge, or a game clock operated by an assistant under the direction of the appropriate judge. The type of game clock shall be determined by the game management.

b. 40-Second Clock. In stadiums that meet the mandatory requirements for 40/25-second play clocks:

1. When an official signals that the ball is dead, the play clock shall begin a 40-second count.

2. If the 40-second count is interrupted for reasons beyond the control of the officials or the play-clock operator (e.g. clock malfunction), the referee shall stop the game clock and signal (both palms open in an over-the-head pumping motion) that the play clock should be re-set at 40 seconds and started immediately.

3. In the event that the 40-second clock is running and the ball is not ready to be snapped after 20 seconds into the count, the referee shall declare a timeout and signal that the play clock be set at 25 seconds. When play is to be resumed, the referee will give the ready-for-play signal [S1] and the play clock shall begin the 25-second count. The game clock will start on the snap unless it had been running when the referee declared a timeout; in that case, it will start on the referee's signal (Rule 3-2-5-b).

c. 25-Second Clock. In stadiums that meet the mandatory requirements for 40/25-second play clocks: if the officials signal the game clock to be stopped for any of the following reasons, the referee shall signal (one open palm in an over-the-head pumping motion) that the clock should be set at 25 seconds:

1. Penalty administration.

2. Charged team timeout.

3. Media timeout.

4. Injury timeouts for players of Team A. 5. Measurement.

6. Change of possession.

7. After a kick down.

8. Score.

9. Start of each period.

10. Start of a team's series in an extra period.

11. Instant replay review.

12. Other administrative stoppage.

When play is resumed, the referee will give the ready-for-play signal [S1] and the play clock will begin the 25-second count.

d. In stadiums that do not meet the mandatory requirements for 40/25-second play clocks: the 25 seconds between the ready-for-play signal and the ball being put in play shall be timed with a watch operated by the appropriate official or with 25-second clocks at each end of the playing enclosure operated by an assistant under the direction of the appropriate official.

e. Device malfunction. If a visual 40/25-second timing device becomes inoperative, both coaches shall be notified by the referee immediately and both clocks shall be turned off.

Approved Ruling 3-2-4

1. Second down. The ball carrier is tackled in the field of play short of the line to gain. The umpire stops the game clock because of an injury to (a) tight end A88; (b) tackle B77. RULING: The play clock is set at (a) 25 seconds; (b) 40 seconds. The play clock and game clock simultaneously start on the referee's signal when the ball is declared ready for play.
2. Second down. Team A's forward pass is incomplete. The line judge then declares timeout because of an injury to (a) tight end A88; (b) tackle B77. RULING: The play clock is set at (a) 25 seconds; (b) 40 seconds. The play clock starts on the referee's signal when the ball is declared ready for play. The game clock starts on the snap.

When Clock Starts

ARTICLE 5. When the ball is free-kicked, the game clock shall be started when the ball is legally touched in the field of play or crosses the goal line after being touched legally by Team B in its end zone and subsequently stopped when the ball is dead by rule. On a scrimmage down, the game clock shall be started when the ball is snapped legally or on prior signal by the referee. The game clock shall not run during a try, during an extension of a period or during an extra period (A.R. 3-2-5:I-IV)

a. When the clock has been stopped for any of the following incidents, it will start on the signal by the referee [S2] (A.R. 7-3-2:I) (A.R. 7-3-7:II)

1. When Team A is awarded a first down either by penalty or as the result of the play (Exception: After a legal kick down).

2. For a referee's timeout for an injured player or official, or when the ball carrier's helmet comes completely off, or for an extended timeout for radio or television.

3. At the referee's discretion (Rules 3-2-2-c and 3-4-3). (A.R. 3-3-2:II-IV)

4. To complete a penalty. (Exception: After a delay foul by Team A while in scrimmage-kick formation).

5. For an inadvertent whistle (Exception: During a legal kick).

6. For a head coach's conference or challenge.

7. For a sideline warning.

8. For an illegal pass to conserve time. (A.R. 7-3-2:II-VIII)

9. For a measurement.

10. For a live ball in an official's possession.

11. For a fumble out of bounds in advance of the spot of the fumble anytime during the game (Rule 3-2-5-a).

12. When a ball carrier, a fumble or a backward pass goes out of bounds (Exception: Within the last two minutes of each half, the clock starts on the snap unless incidents 8 or 11 above occur.) (A.R. 3-2-5:V)

13. When the referee interrupts the 40/25-second count.

b. If the clock was stopped for incidents other than those in 1 through 13 above, it shall be started on the snap.

c. If incidents 1 through 13 occur in conjunction with any other situation that starts the clock on the snap, the clock will start on the snap.

d. The clock stops at the end of a legal kick down and starts on the snap. (Exception: When the next play is a free kick or a try.)

e. When Team B is awarded a first down and will next snap the ball, the clock will be stopped and will start on the snap.

Approved Ruling 3-2-5

1. Team B makes a fair catch. RULING: Clock starts on the snap. The clock stopped at the end of a legal kick down. ( 3-2-5-a). [Cited by 3-2-5]
2. Fourth and six. Team A's running play, which ends inbounds, gains (a) eight yards or (b) five yards. B1 is offside during the play. RULING: (a) Team A's ball. First and 10. The clock starts on the ready-for-play signal. (b) Team A's ball. Fourth and one. The clock starts on the ready-for-play signal. [Cited by 3-2-5]
3. Fourth and four. Team A's running play, which ends inbounds, gains (a) six yards or (b) three yards. B1 is offside during the play. RULING: (a) Team A's ball. First and 10. The clock starts on the ready for play signal. (b) Team A's ball. First and 10 after accepting the penalty. The clock starts on the ready-for-play signal. [Cited by 3-2-5]
4. Third and four. Team A's pass is intercepted by B1, who is downed inbounds. B2 was offside during the play. RULING: Team A's ball. First and 10. The clock starts on the ready-for-play signal. Although the clock was stopped to award Team B a first down, Team B will not next snap the ball. [Cited by 3-2-5]
5. Late in the second or fourth quarter, the ball carrier goes out of bounds. When the game clock is stopped it reads (a) 2:00 or (b) 1:59. RULING: (a) The game clock starts when the ball is ready for play. (b) The game clock starts on the snap. [Cited by 3-2-5-a-12]

When Clock Stops

ARTICLE 6. The game clock shall be stopped when each period ends. An official shall signal timeout when the rules provide for stopping the clock or when a timeout is charged to a team or to the referee (Exception: Rule 3-3-2-b). Other officials should repeat timeout signals. (A.R. 3-2-6:I)

Approved Ruling 3-2-6

1. The ball is snapped before it is made ready for play, or a false start occurs. RULING: The ball remains "dead" and "timeout" and "no play" signals should accompany immediate sounding of the whistle to prevent possible consumption of playing time or action during which injury or personal fouls might occur (Rules 4-1-1, 4-1-4 and 7-1-1). [Cited by 3-2-6, 4-1-1, 7-1-3-a-5-a]

SECTION 3. Timeouts

How Charged

ARTICLE 1. a. The referee shall declare a timeout when he suspends play for any reason. Each timeout shall be charged to one of the teams or designated as a referee's timeout.

b. When a team's timeouts are exhausted and it requests a timeout, the official should not acknowledge the request.

c. During a timeout, players shall not practice with a ball on the field of play or the end zones (Exception: During the half-time intermission).

Timeout

ARTICLE 2. a. An official shall declare a referee's timeout:

1. When there is a touchdown, field goal, touchback or safety.

2. When an injury timeout is allowed for one or more players or an official (A.R. 3-3-2:I) (A.R. 3-3-5:I-V)

3. When the clock is stopped to complete a penalty.

4. When a live ball goes out of bounds or is declared out of bounds.

5. When a forward pass becomes incomplete.

6. When Team A or Team B is awarded a first down.

7. When an inadvertent whistle is sounded.

8. When there is a possible first-down measurement.

9. When a delay is caused by both teams. (A.R. 3-3-2:II and IV)

10. When a charged timeout is granted. (A.R. 3-3-4:I-IV)

11. When there is a sideline infraction.

12. When the ball becomes illegal.

13. When the ball is in possession of an official.

14. When there is a mandatory equipment (Rule 1-4-4) or an illegal equipment (Rule 1-4-5) violation.

15. When a legal kick down ends.

16. When a return kick is made.

17. When a scrimmage kick is made beyond the neutral zone.

18. When the 40/25-second clock is interrupted by circumstances beyond the control of either team.

19. When the ball carrier's helmet comes completely off.

b. The referee only shall declare a timeout:

1. When a head coach's conference is requested.

2. When an unfair-noise timeout is required (Rule 9-2-1-b-6).

3. When a radio or television timeout is allowed.

4. When a discretionary timeout is declared.

Approved Ruling 3-3-2

1. Neither team has been charged with a timeout when a field captain or an official designates an obviously injured player who is replaced. RULING: Referee's timeout [Cited by 3-3-2-a-2]
2. On third and 2½, A45 fumbles a live ball after gaining three yards. The officials cannot determine who has recovered the fumble, so the line judge signals the clock to stop while the ball is being located. A45 is found to be in possession of the ball and (a) has not made his line to gain or (b) has made his line to gain. RULING: The 40-second clock (if in use) starts when the ball is declared dead. (a) The referee immediately will signal the game clock to start. (b) The game clock will start on the referee's signal. [Cited by 3-2-5-a-3, 3-3-2-a-9]
3. On second and 14, A45 gains six yards and is downed with the ball in his possession. The linesman, mistaking the back stake of the line-to-gain chain for the front stake, erroneously signals the clock to stop. RULING: As soon as the error is detected by any official, the signal to start the clock shall be given by the game official detecting the error. [Cited by 3-2-5-a-3]
4. Team A fumbles or the ball is loose after a backward pass. Several players dive on the ball, creating a "pile". RULING: The covering official(s) shall stop the clock and the 40-second clock (if in use) shall start. Upon positive knowledge of who recovered, the referee will point in the direction governed by possession and start the game clock (a) immediately if Team A has recovered short of the line to gain (no first down), or (b) on the snap if Team B has recovered. [Cited by 3-2-5-a-3, 3-3-2-a-9]

Referee's Discretionary Timeout

ARTICLE 3. a. The referee may suspend the game temporarily when conditions warrant such action. The referee may declare and charge himself with a timeout for any contingency not elsewhere covered by the rules. (A.R. 3-3-3:I and II)

b. When the game is stopped by actions of a person(s) not subject to the rules or for any other reasons not in the rules and cannot continue, the referee shall:

1. Suspend play and direct the players to their team areas.

2. Refer the problem to those responsible for the game's management.

3. Resume the game when he determines conditions are satisfactory.

c. If a game is suspended under Rules 3-3-3-a and b before the end of the fourth period and cannot be resumed, conference policy shall determine whether the game will be resumed at a later date, terminated or forfeited (and the final score). If no conference policy is applicable to both teams, the directors of athletics at the participating institutions or their designees, in consultation with the coaches, shall determine whether the game will be resumed at a later date, terminated or forfeited (and the final score if the game is terminated) (Rule 8-1-2).

d. If a game is suspended under Rules 3-3-3-a and b after four periods of play and cannot be resumed, the game shall be ruled a tie. The final score shall be the score at the end of the last completed period. (Note: If a winner must be determined in a conference playoff game, conference policy shall determine when and where the game will be resumed.)

e. A suspended game, if resumed, will begin with the same time remaining and under the identical conditions of down, distance, field position and player eligibility.

f. The referee's discretionary timeout also applies to the following situations:

1. When there is undue delay by officials in placing the ball for the next snap. (A.R. 3-3-3:I)

2. When there is a consultation with team captains.

3. When conditions warrant temporary suspension.

Approved Ruling 3-3-3

1. The ball goes out of bounds after being declared dead in the field of play. RULING: The clock is stopped only if there is an unusual delay or unfair tactics are involved. [Cited by 3-3-3-a, 3-3-3-f-1]
2. A shoelace, padlace, jersey, number or equipment breaks or tears. RULING: No referee's discretionary timeout permitted for repair or replacement. [Cited by 3-3-3-a]

Charged Team Timeouts

ARTICLE 4. When timeouts are not exhausted, an official shall allow a charged team timeout when requested by any player or head coach when the ball is dead. (A.R. 3-3-4:I and II)

a. Each team is entitled to three charged team timeouts during each half.

b. After the ball is declared dead and before the snap, a legal substitute may request a timeout if he is between the nine-yard marks. (A.R. 3-3-4:III and IV)

c. A player who participated during the previous down may request a timeout between the time the ball is declared dead and the snap without being between the nine-yard marks. (A.R. 3-3-4:I and II)

d. A head coach who is in, or in the vicinity of, his team area or coaching box may request a timeout between the time the ball is declared dead and the next snap.

e. A player, incoming substitute or head coach may request a head coach's conference with the referee if the coach believes a rule has been enforced improperly. If the rule enforcement is not changed, the coach's team will be charged a timeout, or a delay penalty if all timeouts have been used.

1. Only the referee may stop the clock for a head coach's conference.

2. A request for a head coach's conference or challenge must be made before the ball is snapped or free-kicked for the next play and before the end of the second or fourth period (Rules 5-2-10 and 1-1-4-c).

3. After a head coach's conference or challenge, the full team timeout is granted if charged by the referee.

Approved Ruling 3-3-4

1. Before the snap, a Team B linebacker requests a timeout. RULING: Timeout request granted. [Cited by 3-3-2-a-10, 3-3-4, 3-3-4-c]
2. Before the snap, the Team A quarterback requests a timeout. RULING: Timeout request granted. [Cited by 3-3-2-a-10, 3-3-4, 3-3-4-c]
3. Before the snap, a legal substitute of either team running from the bench requests a timeout from any official before being within the nine-yard marks. He does not request a timeout again before the ball is snapped. RULING: Timeout request not granted (Rule 7-1-3-a-2). [Cited by 3-3-2-a-10, 3-3-4-b, 7-1-3-a-2-a]
4. Before the snap, a legal substitute of either team running from the bench requests a timeout before being within the nine-yard marks. He then requests a timeout again after being within the nine-yard marks. RULING: Second timeout request granted (Rule 7-1-3-a-2). [Cited by 3-3-2-a-10, 3-3-4-b, 7-1-3-a-2-a]

Injury Timeout

ARTICLE 5. a. In the event of an injured player(s):

1. The referee may charge himself a timeout provided the player(s) for whom the timeout is taken is removed from the game for at least one down.

2. The player(s) may remain in the game if his team is charged a timeout in the interval between downs or the period ends.

3. After a team's charged timeouts have been exhausted, the injured player(s) must leave for one down.

4. Whenever a participant suffers a laceration or wound from which oozing or bleeding occurs, the player or game official shall go to the team area and be given appropriate medical treatment. He may not return to the game without approval of medical personnel. (A.R. 3-3-5:I-VII)

b. Any official may stop the clock for an injured player(s). When in question, the clock shall be stopped for an injured player.

c. To curtail a possible time-gaining advantage by feigning injuries, attention is directed to the strongly worded statement in "The Football Code" concerning the feigning of any injury.

d. An injury timeout may follow a charged team timeout.

e. The referee may charge himself with a timeout for an injured official.

Approved Ruling 3-3-5

1. At the end of a play, with the game clock running, the referee notices that A22 is bleeding. RULING: The referee will stop the clock and declare an injury timeout. A22 will leave the field of play (including the end zone) for treatment by appropriate medical personnel. [Cited by 3-3-2-a-2, 3-3-5-a-4]
2. After being treated for a bleeding or oozing wound, A22 (A.R. 3-3-5:I) attempts to enter the game before the next snap. RULING: Unless the period has ended or Team A has taken a timeout, A22 must remain out of the game for one play. [Cited by 3-3-2-a-2, 3-3-5-a-4]
3. B52's jersey has blood spots on it. RULING: Unless the official determines that the jersey is saturated with blood, B52 may remain in the game. (Note: Saturated is defined as soaked with moisture or drenched. If blood has penetrated through a garment to the skin or can be transferred to another player or game official, the garment is saturated.) [Cited by 3-3-2-a-2, 3-3-5-a-4]
4. An official notices that blood has soaked through B10's jersey. RULING: B10 must leave the game until medical personnel have determined if the jersey must be replaced. [Cited by 3-3-2-a-2, 3-3-5-a-4]
5. B10 tackles A12. An official determines that B10's jersey is saturated with blood from a cut on A12's arm. RULING: Both players must leave the game - A12 for treatment of his open wound, B10 for a determination by medical personnel as to whether he has to replace his jersey. [Cited by 3-3-2-a-2, 3-3-5-a-4]
6. During a dead-ball interval, A85 notices a bleeding cut on his arm. He voluntarily goes to the team area and is replaced by A88. RULING: This is a legal substitution and there is no variation in game timing. A85 may return to the game after the injury has been treated, but he must adhere to substitution rules. [Cited by 3-3-5-a-4]
7. During a dead-ball interval, A12 notices that he has a bleeding elbow and runs to the sideline adjacent to his team's bench. Medical personnel at the sideline bandage the elbow and approve A12's immediate return to the game. RULING: Legal. The starting of the play clock will not be delayed to accommodate A12's trip to the sideline. [Cited by 3-3-5-a-4]

Violation Timeouts

ARTICLE 6. For noncompliance with Rules 1-4-4, 1-4-5 or 9-2-2-d during a down, or noncompliance with Rules 1-4-6-b, or 3-3-4-e while the ball is dead, a timeout shall be charged to a team at the succeeding spot (Rule 3-4-2-b).

Length of Timeouts

ARTICLE 7. a. A charged team timeout requested by any player or head coach shall not exceed one minute 30 seconds. (Exception: Rule 3-3-4-e-3).

b. For live televised games only, a charged team timeout shall be 30 seconds plus the 25-second play clock interval.

c. Any charged team timeout shall be 30 seconds in duration upon a visual signal of the hands touching the shoulders, made by the head coach of the team requesting the timeout. The signal must be made promptly after the timeout is requested.

d. Other timeouts shall be not longer than the referee deems necessary to fulfill the purpose for which they are declared, including a radio or TV timeout, but any timeout may be extended by the referee for the benefit of an injured player (Refer to Appendix A for the guidelines for game officials to use during a serious on-field player injury).

e. If the team charged with a one-minute 30-second team timeout wishes to resume play before the expiration of one minute and its opponent indicates readiness, the referee will declare the ball ready for play.

f. The length of a referee's timeouts depends on the circumstances of each timeout.

g. The field captain must exercise his penalty option before he or a teammate consults with his coach on a sideline during a timeout.

h. The intermission after a safety, try or successful field goal shall be not more than one minute. It may be extended for radio or television.

Referee's Notification

ARTICLE 8. The referee shall notify both teams 30 seconds before a charged team timeout expires and five seconds later shall declare the ball ready for play.

A team timeout designated for 30 seconds (Rule 3-3-7-b or 3-3-7-c) shall not exceed one minute. The referee shall notify both teams at 30 seconds and five seconds later shall declare the ball ready for play.

a. When a third timeout is charged to a team in either half, the referee shall notify the field captain and head coach of that team.

b. Unless a visual game clock is the official timepiece, the referee also shall inform each field captain and head coach when approximately two minutes of playing time remain in each half. He may order the clock stopped for that purpose.

1. The play-clock count is not interrupted.

2. The clock starts on the snap after the two-minute notification.

c. If a visual game clock is not the official timing device during the last two minutes of each half, the referee or his representative shall notify each captain and head coach of the time remaining each time the clock is stopped by rule. Also, a representative may leave the team area along the limit line to relay timing information under these conditions.

SECTION 4. Delays

Delaying the Start of a Half

ARTICLE 1. a. Each team shall have its players on the field for the opening play at the scheduled time for the beginning of each half. When both teams refuse to enter the field first for the start of either half, the home team must be the first to enter.

PENALTY -

15 yards from the succeeding spot [S7 and S21].

b. The home management is responsible for clearing the field of play and end zones at the beginning of each half so the periods may start at the scheduled time. Bands, speeches, presentations, homecoming and similar activities are under the jurisdiction of home management and a prompt start of each half is mandatory.

PENALTY -

10 yards from the succeeding spot [S7 and S21].

Exception: The referee may waive the penalty for circumstances beyond the control of the home management.

Illegal Delay of the Game

ARTICLE 2.

a. The officials shall make the ball ready for play consistently throughout the game. Consuming more than 40 seconds or 25 seconds to put the ball in play (Rule 3-2-4) after it is made ready for play is an illegal delay.

b. Illegal delay also includes:

1. Deliberately advancing the ball after it is dead.

2. When a team has expended its three timeouts and commits a Rule 1-4-4, 1-4-5, 1-4-6-b, 3-3-4-e or 9-2-2-d infraction.

3. When a team is not ready to play after an intermission between periods (other than the half), after a score, after a radio/television/team timeout, or any time the referee orders the ball put in play. (A.R. 3-4-2:I)

4. Defensive verbal tactics that disconcert offensive signals (Rule 7-1-5-a-3).

5. Defensive actions designed to cause a false start (Rule 7-1-5-a-4).

6. Putting the ball in play before it is ready for play (Rule 4-1-4).

7. Sideline interference (Rule 9-1-6).

PENALTY -

Dead-ball foul. Five yards from the succeeding spot [S7 and S21].

Approved Ruling 3-4-2

1. After any timeout, one of the teams is not ready to play. RULING: Illegal delay. Penalty - Five yards from the succeeding spot. [Cited by 3-4-2-b-3]

Unfair Game Clock Tactics

ARTICLE 3. The referee shall order the game clock started or stopped whenever either team conserves or consumes playing time by tactics obviously unfair. This includes starting the clock on the snap if the foul is by the team ahead in the score. The clock will start on the ready-for-play signal after Team A throws an illegal forward or backward pass to conserve time (Rule 3-2-5-a-8). (A.R. 3-4-3:I-IV)

Approved Ruling 3-4-3

1. In an attempt to consume time in the fourth period, Team A stalls and exceeds the 40- or 25-second count. RULING: Foul for delay of game. Penalty - Five yards from the succeeding spot. The clock starts on the snap. [Cited by 3-4-3]
2. A Team B player, late in either half and with no timeouts remaining, crosses the neutral zone and touches a Team A player in an effort to conserve time. RULING: Penalty - Five yards from the succeeding spot. The clock starts on ready for play signal [Cited by 3-4-3]
3. A runner, late in the second period, throws a backward pass out of bounds from behind or beyond the neutral zone to conserve time. RULING: Penalty - Five yards from the spot of the foul and loss of down. The clock starts on the ready for play signal. [Cited by 3-4-3, 7-2-1 Penalty]
4. A runner throws a forward pass while beyond the neutral zone to conserve time. RULING: Penalty - Five yards from the spot of the foul and loss of down. The clock starts on the ready for play signal (Rule 7-3-2 Penalty). [Cited by 3-4-3, 7-3-2 Penalty]

SECTION 5. Substitutions

Substitution Procedures

ARTICLE 1. Any number of legal substitutes for either team may enter the game between periods, after a score or try, or during the interval between downs only for the purpose of replacing a player(s) or filling a player vacancy(ies).

Legal Substitutions

ARTICLE 2. A legal substitute may replace a player or fill a player vacancy provided none of the following restrictions is violated:

a. No incoming substitute shall enter the field of play or end zone while the ball is in play. (live ball foul) [S22].

b. No player, in excess of 11, shall leave the field of play or an end zone while the ball is in play (A.R. 3-5-2:I) (live ball foul) [S22].

c. An incoming legal substitute must enter the field of play directly from his team area, and a substitute, player or departing player must depart at the sideline nearest his team area and proceed to his team area. A departing player must immediately leave the field of play, including the end zones. A departing player who leaves the huddle or his position within three seconds, after a substitute becomes a player, is considered to have left immediately. Team A may not break its huddle with 12 or more players (A.R. 3-5-2:II-VIII) (A.R. 9-1-5:VI-VIII) (A.R. 9-2-2:IV) (dead ball foul) [S7 and S22].

d. Substitutes who become players must remain in the game for one play and replaced players must remain out of the game for one play except during the interval between periods, after a score, or when a timeout has been charged to a team, or to the referee with the exception of a live ball out of bounds or an incomplete forward pass (A.R. 3-5-2:VI) (live ball foul) [S22].

PENALTY -

If the ball is dead: Five yards from the succeeding spot [S7 and S22]; otherwise, five yards from the previous spot [S22].

e. While in the process of substitution or simulated substitution, Team A is prohibited from rushing quickly to the line of scrimmage with the obvious attempt of creating a defensive disadvantage. If the ball is ready for play, the game officials will not permit the ball to be snapped until Team B has placed substitutes in position and replaced players have left the field of play. Team B must react promptly with its substitutes.

PENALTY -

Dead ball foul. Delay of game on Team B for not completing its substitutions promptly, or delay of game on Team A for causing the play clock to expire. Five yards from the succeeding spot [S7 and S21]. The referee will then notify the head coach that any further use of this tactic will result in an unsportsmanlike conduct foul.

PENALTY -

Dead-ball foul. An official will sound his whistle immediately. 15 yards from the succeeding spot. [S7 and S27].

Approved Ruling 3-5-2

1. Any player(s), in excess of 11, obviously is withdrawing but has not reached a boundary line when the ball is put in play and he does not interfere with play or players. RULING: Penalty - Five yards from the previous spot (Rules 7-1-3-b Penalty and 7-1-4-b Penalty). [Cited by 3-5-2-b]
2. A1 enters from outside his team area. RULING: Illegal substitution. Dead-ball foul. Penalty - Five yards from the succeeding spot. Sound the whistle. [Cited by 3-5-2-c]
3. A33, an incoming substitute, enters the huddle or assumes a position in a formation and (a) after approximately two seconds, A34 leaves the huddle and departs the field of play at his sideline, or (b) after approximately four seconds, A34 leaves the huddle and departs the field of play at his sideline. RULING: (a) Legal. (b) Foul. (Note: A departing player who leaves the huddle or his position within three seconds is considered to have left immediately.) [Cited by 3-5-2-c]
4. After the ball is made ready for play, substitute B12 enters the huddle or defensive formation and the departing player delays more than three seconds before leaving the huddle or formation and departing the field of play. RULING: Violation of the substitution rule. Dead ball foul. (Note: The referee is not required to warn a departing player to leave the huddle immediately.) [Cited by 3-5-2-c]
5. After a change of team possession or any timeout, the ball is declared ready for play. When Team A has completed its offensive formation, Team B must promptly position its personnel. Team B will be allowed time to complete substitutions. RULING: Either team is subject to a delay of game foul - Team B for not completing its substitutions promptly (Rule 3-4-2-b-3) or Team A for causing the 25 second clock to expire. Penalty - Five yards from the succeeding spot. [Cited by 3-5-2-c]
6. On third down (no change of team possession), runner A27 goes out of bounds or Team A's legal forward pass falls incomplete. During this interval between downs, there is no other referee's timeout. Before the fourth down snap, substitute B75 enters the game and then departs without remaining in the game for one play. RULING: Live-ball foul. Penalty - Five yards from the previous spot. [Cited by 3-5-2-c, 3-5-2-d]
7. Team A has 11 players in the huddle. A81 mistakenly thinks he has been replaced and runs to his team area. He is immediately sent back onto the field and assumes a position on the line of scrimmage near his sideline. The entire team has been stationary for one second prior to the snap and there has not been a referee's timeout. RULING: Live ball foul. A player loses his status as a participant when he enters the team area while the ball is dead, and then must adhere to substitution rules. Penalty - Five yards from the previous spot or 15 yards from the previous spot, depending upon defensive coverage (Rules 3-5-2-d and 9-2-2-b). [Cited by 3-5-2-c]
8. Team A has 11 players in its huddle when A27 approaches the huddle (within 10 yards) as it breaks. RULING: Dead-ball foul. Penalty - Five yards from the succeeding spot (Rule 2-27-9-a). [Cited by 3-5-2-c]

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Editor: Jim Briggs, BAFA/BAFRA Rules Committee
rules@britishamericanfootball.org