40 Second Play Clock Clarification

If the only reason for stopping the clock  is to move the chains for a first down, the 40 second clock will run as normal regardless of inbounds or out of bounds first down.

Examples:

1. Runner gains a first down in bounds – 40 second clock runs
2. Runner gains first down ending out of bounds – 40 second clock runs
3. Runner gains first down in bounds and is tackled by the facemask (or any other foul occurs during the down) – play clock set to 25 after penalty enforcement
4. Runner gains first down ending out of bounds and is tackled by the facemask (or any other foul occurs during the down) – play clock is set to 25 after penalty enforcement

In examples #1 & #3, the game clock will begin when the referee winds the clock and should be done as soon as the umpire receives the ball. In example #2 & #4, the game clock will begin with the snap.