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

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

From Whistle Talk by Mike D the Referee

May 27, 2026 · 44 min · Season 3 · Episode 19

About this episode

Mike D and Coach Chip discuss essential football game management rules, focusing on timekeeping and substitutions.

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…

People in this episode

Host: Mike D

Guest: Chip

Topics covered

  • football rules
  • game management
  • timekeeping
  • substitutions
  • officials training

Keywords

  • football
  • game clock
  • halftime
  • coin toss
  • officials

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