Reports to:         Athletic Director (Rod Sitton)

 

Compensation: Per-game stipend

Position Summary

The High School Play / Shot Clock Operator is a specialized game-official role responsible exclusively for managing possession-countdown timers—specifically, the football play clock and the basketball shot clock—during home athletic contests. Operating under the direct authority of the on-court/on-field officiating crew, this position ensures strict compliance with timing rules governing the time allowed to initiate a play or attempt a shot. Because this role directly impacts game strategy, team penalties, and turnovers, the ideal candidate must possess unwavering concentration, instant reflexes, and an expert understanding of official hand signals for both sports.

Key Responsibilities

• Football Play Clock Management (Fall): Operate the play clock console to accurately start, reset, and hold the 40-second or 25-second countdown timers based on the exact conclusion of the previous play and official field signals.

  • 40-Second Cycle: Start the clock immediately upon the dead-ball signal at the end of a live play.

  • 25-Second Cycle: Reset and start the clock on the referee’s whistle/ready-for-play signal following administrative stoppages (e.g., penalties, timeouts, change of possession).

• Basketball Shot Clock Management (Winter): Operate the 35-second shot clock console during varsity basketball games in strict accordance with state association rules.

  • Start/Stop: Start the clock when a team gains possession of a live ball on the court; stop the clock instantly when an official blows the whistle.

  • Full Reset (35 Seconds): Execute a complete reset on a change of team possession, a try for a goal that hits the rim, or specific defensive infractions (e.g., kicking the ball).

  • Hold/Partial Reset: Hold or reset the clock to designated intervals (per state association guidelines) during stoppages where possession does not change.

• Official Crew Coordination: Participate in mandatory pre-game meetings with the officiating crews (referees and umpires) to review sport-specific hand signals, clock reset protocols, and communication methods for timing corrections.

• Scorer’s Table & Press Box Synergy: Work seamlessly alongside the independent Game Clock Operator and Stadium Scoreboard Operator to ensure all visual timing systems run in perfect parallel harmony.

• System Testing: Arrive early to test the timing equipment, verifying that the physical play clock displays (stadium end zones) and shot clock displays (mounted above the basketball backboards) illuminate properly and reset accurately.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Flawless Focus & Situational Awareness: Exceptional attention to detail to track exactly when a ball becomes dead, when a team establishes possession, or when a basketball strikes the rim.

• Expert Rules Knowledge: Deep understanding of National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) regulations regarding football play clock cycles and basketball 35-second shot clock compliance.

• Rapid Reaction Time: Split-second physical coordination to activate console buttons precisely when a play ends, or a whistle blows. A split-second error can invalidate a scoring play.

• Absolute Neutrality: Must maintain strict professionalism and emotional neutrality. As a functional member of the officiating crew, the operator cannot cheer, complain, or comment on gameplay while at the console.

• Requirements: Minimum age of 18 (adult status required for varsity contests) and must pass a standard school district background check.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Must be available for afternoon, evening, and weekend athletic schedules corresponding with the fall (football) and winter (basketball) sports seasons.

• Position requires sitting for extended periods in an elevated stadium press box (outdoors) or at a court-side scorer's table (indoors), requiring sustained, unobstructed visual focus on the entire playing area.

 

Sand Springs Public Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.