NFL Video Rulebook Play Clock

Rule Summary View Official Rule

Section 6 - delay of game

ARTICLE 1. 40-SECOND PLAY CLOCK

It is a delay of the game if the ball is not put in play by a snap within 40 seconds after the start of the play clock. The play clock operator shall time the interval between plays upon signals from game officials. The 40-second interval starts when a play ends, unless Article 2 below applies.

ARTICLE 2. 25-SECOND PLAY CLOCK

In the event of certain administrative stoppages or other delays, a team will have 25 seconds, beginning with the Referee’s whistle, to put the ball in play next by a snap or a kick. Such stoppages include, but are not limited to:

1. a change of possession;
2. a charged team timeout;
3. the two-minute warning;
4. the expiration of a period;
5. a penalty enforcement;
6. a free kick after a television timeout;
7. a free kick without a television timeout. Following a Try or successful field goal attempt, teams will have 40 seconds to align prior to the Referee’s whistle; or
8. replay administration pursuant to Rule 15, Section 9, if the play clock is under 25 seconds.

A 25-second interval will be used in these situations, even if the 40-second clock is already counting down.

ARTICLE 3. INTERRUPTION OF PLAY CLOCK

If the play clock is stopped prior to the snap for any reason, after the stoppage has concluded, the time remaining on the play clock shall be the same as when it stopped, unless:

1. the stoppage has been for a charged team timeout, the two-minute warning, the expiration of a period, replay administration pursuant to Rule 15-9 with fewer than 25 seconds on the play clock, or a penalty enforcement, in which case the play clock shall be reset to 25 seconds;
2. the stoppage has been for an Instant Replay review that results in a reversal that does not result in a 10-second runoff or a team timeout, a live ball foul that is subsequently nullified after crew conference, an excess timeout while time is in that is charged to the defense, or the enforcement of a defensive foul that conserves time, in which case the play clock shall be reset to 40 seconds, unless another rule requires otherwise;
3. the stoppage results in a 10-second runoff from the game clock, in which case the play clock shall be reset to 30 seconds; or
4. fewer than 10 seconds remain on the play clock, in which case it shall be reset to 10 seconds, or the exact time on the play clock at the discretion of the Referee.