Does an official require a stopwatch or something?

[rob]

I'm used to watching varsity games where they do a fair job of keeping the clock.  I'm new.

But what about MS/JV, etc or some small high school.  Are you likely to not have a clock?  Clock guy didn't show up?  Clock guy turns out to be a first grader?  What kind of timepiece do you recommend?  Is a smart phone ok?

[Bobref]

3 hours ago, rob said:

I'm used to watching varsity games where they do a fair job of keeping the clock.  I'm new.

But what about MS/JV, etc or some small high school.  Are you likely to not have a clock?  Clock guy didn't show up?  Clock guy turns out to be a first grader?  What kind of timepiece do you recommend?  Is a smart phone ok?

The Manual requires that, for varsity games, the back judge and at least one other official on the crew “shall have a device capable of keeping the game and play clocks on the field if necessary.”

[JustRules]

2 hours ago, Bobref said:

The Manual requires that, for varsity games, the back judge and at least one other official on the crew “shall have a device capable of keeping the game and play clocks on the field if necessary.”

Most good crews I know all 5 guys have a watch with a timer. We rarely have to use, but we will if the game clock goes out or we feel the need to keep a backup on the field. Most game clock operators do a good job.

[rob]

On 8/24/2024 at 7:24 PM, JustRules said:

Most good crews I know all 5 guys have a watch with a timer. We rarely have to use, but we will if the game clock goes out or we feel the need to keep a backup on the field. Most game clock operators do a good job.

Thanks, my really cheap watch will work in a pinch.

[JustRules]

18 hours ago, rob said:

Thanks, my really cheap watch will work in a pinch.

It's good to have one that can do multiple functions. You may have to keep track of the game clock (the count down setting works best here) but then also time the time outs. Having a separate function for that is helpful if someone else doesn't have a watch. That's why it's always good for everyone to have a stop watch even if you aren't an official that needs one.