One thing that I have not mentioned regarding this replay is that I am using three different timing methods in an effort to get plays right. The methods are based on the different methods I have used in each of my replays. They have worked great in getting overall average plays virtually spot on for each of my replays but it was always hit-or-miss regarding individual teams. For 1978, I have decided to do the following:
- Add the total average plays from scrimmage (Running plays plus pass attempts plus sacks) for both teams in question
- If the result is 132-133 plays, use APBA’s normal timing method – This is Method 1
- If the result is 126-127 plays, time all OB running plays greater than 5 yards and all pass completions greater than 9 yards as FULL plays (revert to normal APBA rules during the last 10 plays of half/game) – This is Method 2
- If the result is 121-122 plays, time all OB running/passing plays greater than 5 yards, all kickoff/punts with returns and all changes of possession after a turnover as FULL plays (revert to normal APBA rules during the last 10 plays of half/game) – This is Method 3
If the number falls between any two of the methods, say for example 129-130 plays, I use a combination of the two methods the number falls between. For 129-130, I would use Method 2 for the 1st and 3rd quarters and Method 1 for the second and fourth quarters. I always use the shorter method in quarters 1 and 3. In the rare instance where the play total is either greater than 133 or less than 121 I add or subtract plays from the first and third quarters.
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Interesting stuff. Two questions: first, in step 1 don’t you need to account for plays that were run but ended in a penalty? Or are you assuming that evens out over time across teams, which may be true. Second, I must have old timing rules as my game is from 1995. In method 2 you need to reduce plays. I see how making the longer OB running plays a full play would reduce total plays. But you said to count pass plays longer than 9 yards as full plays. Is there something in the normal APBA timing rules that would make those count as half plays? Thanks for posting these innovations. I love Innovation Friday!
Dick, on thing Greg nor I didn’t mention is that this was play tested with the Master Game. I don’t know how it will work with the Basic Game since I think the number of OB plays differs.
Dick,
A few things about this system. First, it is not formula based but the result of hundreds of actual played games. Total plays are based off of rushing attempts + passing attempts + sacks, so anything that occurs during the course of the play (i.e., penalty, fumble, interception, etc.) is accounted for. The current Master game specifies that all out of bounds (ob) plays should be recorded as half play. Using Method 2, if a pass is completed and the result is greater than 9 yards, treat as a FULL play. However during the second and fourth quarters, once 20 plays are recorded, adhere to Method 1 which is the current Master Game rules for the final five-minutes of the half. To include TIMING ADJUSTMENTS outlined in current Master game rules, Section II. Options, paragraph D.3. (On screen and short passes only, starting with the first play beginning after 26 plays have been recorded in the second and fourth quarters or overtime period, you have another time-conserving option available as offensive coach. On any completion for 9 yards or less (including losses on completions), the receiver has carried the ball out of bounds, making it a half-play).
There is one more thing that I want to say. All card sets are NOT created equal, some cards sets are crafted better than others. If you are using a poorly crafted set, you will have excessive penalties which will in turn skew this system slightly.