NCAA Timer

[yawetag]

Has anyone invented a timer specifically for NCAA games? The way I envision it, it would be shaped similar to an indiclickerthingy, with two buttons.

Before the game, the umpire responsible will set the time for between innings by pressing both buttons simultaneously. This will change it between 90 and 108 seconds (whether televised or not). For the remainder, I'll assume it's a 90-second clock

At the start of the game, the umpire will press Button 1. This will start the 90-second countdown timer. At 30 seconds remaining, the timer gives a short vibration; at 15 seconds remaining, the timer gives two short vibrations. At 5 seconds, it gives a 1-second vibration, then short ones at 3, 2, and 1. When the timer hits 0, it vibrates until reset.

To stop the timer at any time, press Button 1 again. This will stop the timer and display the remaining time. Hitting Button 1 again will RESTART the current timer.

If you want to switch between 90-second and 20-second (for between-pitch timer), press Button 2. Then press Button 1 to start the timer. The 20-second timer will give a short vibration at 10 seconds, a double vibration at 5 seconds, then short ones again at 3, 2, and 1 second. At 0, it gives a vibration until reset.

[Guest]

Has anyone invented a timer specifically for NCAA games? The way I envision it, it would be shaped similar to an indiclickerthingy, with two buttons.

Before the game, the umpire responsible will set the time for between innings by pressing both buttons simultaneously. This will change it between 90 and 108 seconds (whether televised or not). For the remainder, I'll assume it's a 90-second clock

At the start of the game, the umpire will press Button 1. This will start the 90-second countdown timer. At 30 seconds remaining, the timer gives a short vibration; at 15 seconds remaining, the timer gives two short vibrations. At 5 seconds, it gives a 1-second vibration, then short ones at 3, 2, and 1. When the timer hits 0, it vibrates until reset.

To stop the timer at any time, press Button 1 again. This will stop the timer and display the remaining time. Hitting Button 1 again will RESTART the current timer.

If you want to switch between 90-second and 20-second (for between-pitch timer), press Button 2. Then press Button 1 to start the timer. The 20-second timer will give a short vibration at 10 seconds, a double vibration at 5 seconds, then short ones again at 3, 2, and 1 second. At 0, it gives a vibration until reset.

Or you buy a stopwatch.

[Umpire in Chief]

I just wrapped up a umpire camp. We just use a standard stopwatch.

We got to 30 seconds 3-4 times among the scrimmages. We never got to 20 seconds either.

I have the feeling this is a bunch of buzz about nothing.

[jourdyn08]

Had a double today seven in 1 hour and 30 min. Pretty fast never hit 20 or 90. It does take some gettin use to

[yawetag]

Or you buy a stopwatch.

The thought is that the stopwatch requires you to look at it. My idea wouldn't.

I'm sure it would be looked at similar to the clip, but that guy's gotta be making some money, too.

[Umpire in Chief]

It is a bit awkward on the 20 seconnd rule. But that rule is only in effect with nobody on so the BU doesn't have much going on.

We were told to slip knot it through our belt so if we drop it it doesn't get away from us.

I did hear that at a particular D-I scrimmage somebody I know was working, the coach was intentionally taking the 90 second penalty because it was so cold and he wanted to take all the time he needed to make sure his pitcher was properly loostened up . Apparently he was on the mound and doing a lot of stretching between his pitches.

[LMSANS]

A football back judge uses a timer that clips to the belt and either vibrates or signals with a tone when time is running out. I know it can be set to multiple times. You may want to look in this direction. No need to re-invent the wheel.:meditation:

[Umpire in Chief]

In the camp I just got out of they were very adamant about not having a noise or tone associated with the clock. But a vibration might to well.

[yawetag]

In the camp I just got out of they were very adamant about not having a noise or tone associated with the clock. But a vibration might to well.

My thought exactly. If the pitcher pitches a half-second before the timer goes off, you don't want a beeping sound. In addition, you don't need your BU looking at his watch while the pitcher is starting his pitch. If they've been invented for football, that's perfect. I'm not familiar with devices for other sports, and I've never seen one in a catalog that would meet the need.

I'm not going to design it -- I certainly don't have the resources available to do it. However, for someone that does, it would be marketable, especially if other leagues go with the idea as well.