Hi Dimitri,
We're working on getting together a rules set for us up here too. Timed stoppages is one of the things we are looking at seriously.
The upside is it doesn't really matter who controls the board. but what we are thinking of will work something like this..
We are going to allow players to be stationary/on magnets (except linemen) for as long as the player wants them on. but once it comes off it stays off for the play. The only exception to that is the QB who at any stoppage can be placed on a stationary base. (representing the drop back then stay in the pocket to look for a pass)
Any player not locked up (making contact with another base) can be turned/angled. The exception will be a cornerback (or anyone in man to man coverage) who can bump and run (within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage) then turn around.
On the fourth and final stoppage offense must declare run or pass. They can of course declare before then if they want. So it would play out like this..
run for 0.5 seconds - snap of the ball. players move just a little bit.
run for 1.5 seconds - players get out in routes etc. Holes start to form in blocking.
run for 1.5 seconds - receivers make their cuts on routes. perhaps run is called here to allow the RB to make a cutback on the 4th stoppage.
run for 1.5 seconds - declare run or pass. declare the runner/receiver. If a pass then execute the pass in whatever manner you use (TTQB or passing sticks)
If using sticks you would need an additional stoppage on a completion where adjustments can be made again.
Then just let the board run until the play ends.
How long you run the board for at each stop will depend on your personal preference and how fast your board goes.
Talking about it together up here we liked the idea of being able to make adjustments to the players to make the game a bit more realistic. It will take some play testing obviously but that is what we plan on trying first. And seeing the MPFL video's on youtube I thought it made the most sense.
Multiple stoppages will certainly slow the game down a bit. But your idea of one stoppage controlled by the offense could work out ok. I would suggest that after the offense does his stoppage then the defense would have control of the board.
I know for timing for a game clock, the mid ohio guys idea of using boxes is brilliant imo.
For setting up we will have both guys set up at the same time with the defense having an extra 15 seconds or so to adapt to the offense.
The rest of the rules, will just have to be your personal preference. The toughest struggle we are having is with the kicking game. Though we are tinkering with the idea of putting a football on a straight running base for kicking and see if we can make that work somehow.
A lot of info but I thought I'd share some ideas
