Lower-Level Football Reverts to Old Timing Rule

The Southern Section has been granted authority by the California Interscholastic Federation to revert to timing non-varsity football games under its old rules, which the section will implement this week.

The section made its request to the CIF in response to concerns that games were running too long and created logistics problems for officials covering afternoon non-varsity games at one site and varsity games at another. It also presented a potential problem when daylight saving time ends with three weeks left in the season.

Esperanza Athletic Director Jim Patterson, who is also a football referee, said the change wasn’t broad enough; it should have included the varsity games, too.

“I was hoping they would rescind the whole thing,” Patterson said. “From everyone I’ve talked to, no one is in favor of the college timing rule.”

The new rule dictates the clock stop after every kick or change of possession. Under the old rules, the clock starts when the ball is placed and officials give a “ready to play” signal.