Two-minute warning

The two-minute warning is a suspension of play near the end of the second, the fourth quarters and overtime. It’s similar to the timeout. The teams gather to discuss the further strategy. Its forms are variable. The players build huddles or leave the field to have a short conversation with their coordinators and coach.

This warning begins exactly at 2:00 before the eligible period ends. Its main condition is a dead ball or released try play after the touchdown. If the play continues, the warning and stopping the clock come into effect after the play logical end. Don’t disturb the referee if you see that the time is 2:00 but the game continues. The signal at 1:57 or 1:50 is normal. Sometimes the referees wait one second to declare the ball is dead when there is 2:01 on the game clock.

The two-minute warning launches some special rules for that period. For example, 10-second runoff. It happens if the leading or tying team released all timeout attempts or the team in possession trails the game. The six rough offensive fouls, including false start or intentional grounding, cause the runoff too. Teams may use their timeouts to remove the injured player from the field. If the player fumbles the ball, the teammates have the right to recover it, but only the fumbler must advance it beyond the fumble spot.