If the timekeeper fails to start the clock on a restart in the second period, what is the correct call?

When the timekeeper fails to start the clock on a restart during the second period, the correct procedure is for the official to utilize their judgment to restart the match. This oversight is not a fault of the wrestlers, and thus it allows the official to take charge of the situation. The official will assess the time lapse, and depending on the match dynamics, they will restart the clock appropriately to ensure fairness and maintain the flow of the match.

In such scenarios, it is essential that the match not be penalized or disrupted unnecessarily, hence the ruling empowers the official to make decisions that uphold the integrity of the competition. Other scenarios, such as allowing the match to continue without a clock reset, would not adequately account for the timing accuracy required in wrestling matches. Disqualifications or forfeits would be disproportionate reactions to a timing oversight and would undermine the competitive process. Therefore, the official's judgment in restarting the match reflects a balanced approach to managing the game.