Running the Clock: Everything Officials Need to Know About Rule 3

In this episode of Whistle Talk, referee Mike D teams up with Coach Chip to clarify critical aspects of football game management—specifically periods, timekeeping, and substitutions. Whether you're an official, coach, or football enthusiast, gaining a thorough grasp of these rules can elevate your game awareness and decision-making.In this episode:

• The standard length of high school football periods and the importance of timing
• How halftime length varies and best practices for managing extended breaks
• The procedures surrounding coin tosses, team captains, and game start decisions
• The nuances of managing game clock, including four-minute warnings and untimed downs
• Special considerations for game interruptions due to weather, emergencies, or other incidents

• (0:00) Introduction to the importance of time and score in football
• (1:00) The standard four 12-minute quarters and transition times
• (2:00) Handling halftime, typical duration, and how to communicate it
• (3:00) Managing team timing, including the three-minute warm-up and on-field procedures
• (4:30) The coin toss: who's involved and the options available to teams
• (5:30) How to interpret team choices—whether to kick, receive, or defer—and associated strategies
• (6:30) Special considerations for pregame ceremonies and selection of goal defense
• (8:00) Understanding game start procedures and side changes at the beginning of halves
• (9:00) The four-minute warning: signaling players and managing game flow
• (10:00) Handling game interruptions due to weather, safety, or emergencies, and resuming play
• (11:00) When and how to use untimed downs, including scenarios with fouls, scores, or clock expiration
• (13:00) Clarifying enforcement of penalties and situations that do not result in untimed downs
• (14:00) Managing the end of periods: signaling the conclusion and handling fouls or irregularities
• (15:00) Starting the fourth quarter or halves, clock operation, and rules for onside kicks

• NFHS Rules Book
• Official NFHS Football Rules
• Football Officials Resources

• Twitter
• YouTube - Football Talk with Coach Chip
• Email