Moment: Officiating Message Unchanged

May 15, 2020

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor 

A segment on recruiting officials was broadcast as part of coverage of the MHSAA's 1988 Boys Basketball Finals. 

Had that segment run this season, the messages would have been just as relevant.

Officials Ernie Cryer and Tom Hoffman spoke for the report, providing an inside look at officiating and reasons to consider the avocation.

Be The Referee: Play Clock

By Sam Davis
MHSAA Director of Officials

August 30, 2022

Be The Referee is a series of short messages designed to help educate people on the rules of different sports, to help them better understand the art of officiating, and to recruit officials.

Below is this week's segment – Play Clock - Listen

There’s a new rule in football this year that provides the offense more time to draw up a play and prepare matchups when the defense commits a foul. 

In the past, if the defense committed a foul, the play clock would be set to 25 seconds, potentially changing the approach by the offense entirely. 

Under the change, when the defense or receiving team commits a foul, the play clock will start at 40 seconds, giving the offense an extra 15 seconds to prepare their scheme for the next play. 

For all other administrative stoppages, including fouls against the offense or kicking team, the play clock will be set to 25 seconds when play resumes.

 

Previous Editions:

Aug. 23: Intentional Grounding Change - Listen