Why doesn't the clock stop after a play?

Question

Why is it that sometimes the clock continues to count down after a play 'looks' like it's over? I don't get it.

Answer 1

Depends on the play. On a run play the clock will continue. Pretty much any play that doesn't result in a flag or a player going out of bounds will result in the clock running. Of course there are exceptions to every rule.

Answer 2

Only if there's an incomplete pass or the ball goes out of bounds. The clock also stops for penalties, after touchdowns, and after a change of possession. In college, the clock also stops when a team gets a first down. In all other cases, the clock continues to run between plays, unless a team calls a timeout.

Answer 3

Its just the rules. If it always stopped games would go on forever. It only stops when the ball carrier goes out of bounds, or on an incomplete pass. This adds a "do it now" sense of urgency if a team is trying to come back at the end, and gives an advantage to the winning team who can keep running to wind down the clock. The other team knows its coming, so its a real test to stop them and get the ball back. Just part of the game.

Answer 4

The clock is stopped after an incompletion or if somebody runs out of bounds while having possesion of the football, and after a punt/kickoff return. Other than that, if the clock stopped after every single play, each game would probably last six hours...

Answer 5

Because you runs the Ball you run the Clock, that why it don't stop, you stop the Clock by going out of Bounds with the Football or Throw it away altogether.

Answer 6

playclock is restarted every time play ends--only time game clock stops (NFL rules) is for a score, out of bounds, touchback, penalty, incomplete pass, team calls time out, challenge on a ruling, or end of quarter. College has many different rules. Also be glad you don't watch Canadian football. They have midfield at the 55 yard line and you can dropkick over the uprights for one point.

Answer 7

because if they didnt go out of bounds, the clock still runs, its a rule in the nfl. a team can also call a timeout in that situation to stop the clock.games would drag out way too long if the clock didnt keep running in those situations.

Answer 8

if it is an incomplete pass or the player gets out of bounds then the clock stops

Answer 9

if ur tackled in the NFL the clock goes unless a defensive penalty, a timeout is called, its an incomplete pass, or u go out of bounds. in college, it stops MOMENTARILY, and continues right after the ball is set

Answer 10

to make the players move for once and to test their endurance.