official time... pocket watch or scoreboard?

[VHSL-helper]

AAA game had an inoperable scoreboard and some ppl. are complaining that the game should have been moved.
AA game had some unknown "problem"... clock said 2:34 before a play was run, clock stopped around 2:30 on the inc. pass, then ref asked clock to be reset to 2:35.
So, is the scoreboard imperative?
This could be a lenghty discussion.

 

[White hat]

If the scoreboard is functioning properly, it is official. If there are problems, the time can be kept on a watch on the field. Since the clock is almost always on one end of the field, either the Referee or Back Judge watch to make sure it starts and stops properly. If it doesn't, usually there is a real good idea what the correct time should be (this happened in my game last night) and adjustment is made and the scoreboard will still be official. If the problems persist. the time will be kept on the field.

 

[FBRef]

Sometimes (and I admittedly don't know if this was the case in your game VHSL Helper), the scoreboard clock has lights that are out or are shorted or stay on all the time. 2:39 can look like 2:34 or any other number of cominations. Just something that I see quite often.

 

[Hampton Roads 6]

if game director knew of problem before game, he should have had it repaired or moved the game to another venue.

 

[Fadamor]

There is no requirement that a working scoreboard is present for a game. If there is a problem with the scoreboard clock, then the time will be kept on the field and the teams will receive 4:00 warnings towards the end of each half. If a coach wants the current time remaining, we usually are able to relay that info promptly. So there is really no justification for changing the venue simply due to a malfunctioning scoreboard.