[Elwayfan]

I think a running clock is one of the worst rules in high school football, especially in 1A. Not all schools have enough JV games to get their younger kids playing experience. What's everyones thoughts about this? Also, what does everyone think about how long you should leave the starters in? I believe it's the other teams job to stop a team from scoring.

[The Guru]

I agree. Heck, more than half of the parents pay to get in and hope to get a glimpse of their baby getting on the field. Then when they do, they get to see maybe60 seconds of actual football in an entire quarter!
It sucks.

[ComfortEagle]

Yes, it's their job to stop the other team from scoring, but sometimes the talent levels just don't match up.

I'm for the running clock, and I've played in a few of those games. If a team is up by 35 at the half and it's only going to go downhill from there, then I say pull the starters.

But I know that there were a few games I've played where we were up by a ton at halftime and they instituted the running clock. God knows, what the score would have been if they hadn't done that.

And this is a double-edged sword, because if you don't take the starters out, and you don't keep the clock running, and then that team wins by 70+ points, that team's coach is going to get **** because he ran up the score.

[DEVILOLOGIST]

Here is my thought. At Russell the coach will pull the starters if the score is over 30. I can remember playing and being pulled, NOW AT THE TIME I WAS MAD. I can see that building for the future is needed and you can see it at Russell, they just reload not rebuild. NOW being a senior and being pulled and not getting to play almost felt like being punished becasue you are a good player or team. I would have rather played nose guard or tackle on defense rather than being pulled.. QB or RB and lets GO... What ever position you dont play ... then play it rather than come off the field. Like I said in another post. I had the opportunity to Semi-Pro ball and reload at age of 39. Some of the kids will never get that chance again. Let them get all they can handle in high school and let them either fill their cup and feel fulfilled or they can keep playing at the higher level.

[Elwayfan]

Yes, it's their job to stop the other team from scoring, but sometimes the talent levels just don't match up.

I'm for the running clock, and I've played in a few of those games. If a team is up by 35 at the half and it's only going to go downhill from there, then I say pull the starters.

But I know that there were a few games I've played where we were up by a ton at halftime and they instituted the running clock. God knows, what the score would have been if they hadn't done that.

And this is a double-edged sword, because if you don't take the starters out, and you don't keep the clock running, and then that team wins by 70+ points, that team's coach is going to get **** because he ran up the score.

I can see your point, and that's the view of many, but I would leave my starters in the entire 1st half and the 1st series of the 2nd half. I would run my offense as normal. When the JV came in I would still run my offense as normal. I would return all punts and kicks as normal. If a high school team can't stop your JV squad, then so be it, they need to fold the program. Every year it's the same old teams that you have to play because there in your district and every year it's a waist of time. Maybe there needs to be a class just for these schools, I don't know. It's not fair to the teams that are trying to contend for championships.
If the the score is 80-0 at the half, then that's the score. Maybe it would make the KHSAA take notice and do something.
Is the running clock a Ky. rule or a National rule?
I believe it's the same as alot of other things , afraid of someone getting their feelings hurt.

[LifeSentence]

I agree. Heck, more than half of the parents pay to get in and hope to get a glimpse of their baby getting on the field. Then when they do, they get to see maybe60 seconds of actual football in an entire quarter!
It sucks.

The parents of the kids that are getting their heads bashed in also pay to get in. I can see both points, its up to the coach to make the decision that is best for his team.

[MCHornets]

Could someone please explain the runnig clock rule? i do not think i completly understand.

[ComfortEagle]

Here is the rule from the KHSAA website:

1) After the first half, any time the score differential reaches 45 points or more, the following changes will be made regarding rules determining when the clock will be stopped and/or started. The clock shall continue to run from the point that the differential occurs (without regard to a later return to less than the differential) with the following clarifications:

2) The clock SHALL STOP when an official’s time-out is called as in the following specific 3-5-7 occurrences, and shall subsequently start on the READY FOR PLAY signal:a) For measurement of a possible first down,b) When captains and coaches are notified of the time remaining,c) For a player who appears to be injured,d) For a player in need of equipment repair,e) When a coach-referee conference occurs,f) After a foul, to administer a penalty,g) For any unusual delay in getting the ball ready to play,h) Following the try, successful FG or safety.,i) A score occurs. Following a try, field goal, or safety, the clock shall start on the ready for play. Following a 6-point touchdown, the clock shall remain stopped for the PAT, but shall resume on the ready for play for the ensuing kickoff,

3) The clock SHALL STOP when an official’s time-out is called as in the following specific 3-5-7 occurrences, and shall subsequently start on the SNAP:a) For unusual heat or humidity which may create a health risk to the players,b) For an approved TV/radio time-out,c) A charged time-out is called,d) At the end of a periode) The clock SHALL NOT STOP when an official’s time-out is called as in the following specific 3-5-7 occurrences:e) When a first down is declared,f) Following a change of team possession,g) To dry or change the game ball.

[hammertime]

I can see your point, and that's the view of many, but I would leave my starters in the entire 1st half and the 1st series of the 2nd half. I would run my offense as normal. When the JV came in I would still run my offense as normal. I would return all punts and kicks as normal. If a high school team can't stop your JV squad, then so be it, they need to fold the program. Every year it's the same old teams that you have to play because there in your district and every year it's a waist of time. Maybe there needs to be a class just for these schools, I don't know. It's not fair to the teams that are trying to contend for championships.
If the the score is 80-0 at the half, then that's the score. Maybe it would make the KHSAA take notice and do something.
Is the running clock a Ky. rule or a National rule?
I believe it's the same as alot of other things , afraid of someone getting their feelings hurt.

Finally someone with some gall. It is the opponents job to stop you on offense and it is also their job to move the ball against your defense. If they can't do it then so be it. Teams don't need to try and stop themselves. Do what you and if you score triple digits then oh well better luck next year. It may sound mean and unfair but guess what, life is cruel and unfair isn't it. Don't whine and cry if you on the receiving end of one of these bashing. Put a better product on the field or fold it in.

[TRAIN85]

If you can score then score. If the opponent can't stop you then it is not your responsibility to hold your team back from getting better by getting more reps that are much needed. Sometime in the third quarter would be an ideal time to pull starters. These kids need to get used to playing as close to four quarters as they can for the playoffs.

[Midee1]

If you can score then score. If the opponent can't stop you then it is not your responsibility to hold your team back from getting better by getting more reps that are much needed. Sometime in the third quarter would be an ideal time to pull starters. These kids need to get used to playing as close to four quarters as they can for the playoffs.

I do have to agree with the bold part. I have seen it hurt a team that the starters only played until half time. They hit the playoffs and ran into a team that forced them to play a full 4 quarters and they struggled. I am sure that was not the only problem that night but it sure didn't help.

[tradition]

I like the running clock. Actually sometimes I can't wait for the running clock cause I just want to end the other teams misery. I know that sounds bad but sometimes I sit in the stands and just feel really bad for the other team. When you can just tell they are out matched. It isn't always easy on this winning teams fan.

Most of the time the second team match up leads for a better game. However, the ego slap to the starters of the down team can be detrimental. Sometimes the starters can get alittle overboard and strutt when they feel they can handle another teams JV. It can get nasty.

This is the point when the coach shows class and maturity ( and when I say coaches maturity, I expect the coaches to know better not necessary the 17 and 18 year olds on the field) and puts in his second team. However, many times in the playoffs this doesn't happen. I understand a coach leaving in his seniors in what is probably thier last High School or football game ever. I don't have a problem with that. I just don't want to see those seniors taking out their frustration on a sophmore or junior. That is when the coach needs to pull them. Like someone said earlier, you just don't let your team get into the position where you have to worry about a running clock.

[RedSeal]

I dont care who you are, you DO NOT run the score up of anyone? That is just down right Disrespectful

[tradition]

I dont care who you are, you DO NOT run the score up of anyone? That is just down right Disrespectful

Running clock and running up the score are two different things. Running clock actually is in place to help keep the score from getting too out of hand.

[Blau Vogel]

Starters in ALL of the first half, and first series of second half. They losing coach should be the one to decide when the other teams starters come out. If I am the coach for the winning team, I leave my starters in until the other teams 2's hit the field. I would then put my 2's or JV in.

I don't want my younger (usually smaller) players getting pounded by the losing teams older (usually bigger) 1's.

[Tomcat68]

Starters in ALL of the first half, and first series of second half. They losing coach should be the one to decide when the other teams starters come out. If I am the coach for the winning team, I leave my starters in until the other teams 2's hit the field. I would then put my 2's or JV in.

I don't want my younger (usually smaller) players getting pounded by the losing teams older (usually bigger) 1's.

I actually believe this the other way around. I'd rather see the winning team take out their 1s first, that way the better teams JV gets some experience, even if it is against bigger teams.

Also, this will give the losing team's 1s experience against more similar leveled competition.

I completely agree about the 1s play the whole first half and 1st series of 2nd half, though (except under sever circumstances when earlier removal would be deemed necessary).

[VHSL-helper]

...Is the running clock a Ky. rule or a National rule?
...

A bit of both....national rules allow it - states have to determine the details.
I know KY has used a running clock for a few years - don't know when it was made official.
VA started it 2 (maybe 3) seasons ago. Over here, it's used only when the margin is 35 or more in the 2nd half.

[Elwayfan]

A bit of both....national rules allow it - states have to determine the details.
I know KY has used a running clock for a few years - don't know when it was made official.
VA started it 2 (maybe 3) seasons ago. Over here, it's used only when the margin is 35 or more in the 2nd half.

Thanks for the info. I believe here in Ky., it's 45 after the 1st half.

[VHSL-helper]

let me clarify VA-ONLY when it's 35 or more. If it gets cut to 28, we go back to regular clock.
I do a halftime scoreboard, so I keep up with scores on msg. boards, and I've seen 34-0 more than a couple of times. I'm guessing some coaches are going for 2 at that point to give the other team one more chance to stay under the limit.

[Tomcat68]

let me clarify VA-ONLY when it's 35 or more. If it gets cut to 28, we go back to regular clock.
I do a halftime scoreboard, so I keep up with scores on msg. boards, and I've seen 34-0 more than a couple of times. I'm guessing some coaches are going for 2 at that point to give the other team one more chance to stay under the limit.

In Kentucky, even if the the margin goes back below 45, the clock continues to run. As for the 34 point margin you've seen, it could be someone going for 2, but could just as likely be a kicker missing one of his 5 XP so far which isn't uncommon at the highschool level.

[DEVILOLOGIST]

not to uncommon for some............