How long is the play clock?

Team A must put the ball into play before the play clock reaches 0. A violation is a time count foul (5-yard penalty, which may be declined).

2026 change: after most plays, a 35-second play clock now starts automatically on a signal from the covering official that the play is over.

The Referee instead starts a 20-second play clock:

• for the play after a kickoff, a touchdown, the application of penalties, a change of possession, a TV or team timeout, an injury or equipment delay, a team challenge or Replay Centre review, or any other administrative delay
• for every play after the 3-minute warning in each half
• for every play in overtime
• any time the Referee deems it necessary

On a kickoff following a convert or field goal with no commercial break, the timer runs back-to-back 35-second play clocks, and the team must kick the ball before the second one reaches 0.

After the 3-minute warning, a time count foul on first or second down costs a loss of down or 10 yards, and on third down 10 yards. On a convert attempt it is 5 yards at any time in the game.