Does play stop if a mechanical horn sounds during a live ball?

In football, when a mechanical horn sounds during a live ball, the play does not automatically stop. The play continues until the ball becomes dead as per the rules. This principle is grounded in maintaining the flow of the game and preventing unnecessary interruptions unless the situation dictates otherwise. There are specific circumstances under which an official might call a timeout or stop play, such as safety concerns or equipment malfunctions, but a mechanical horn alone does not constitute an automatic stop of play. Therefore, the play continues and officials will make a determination based on the circumstances when the play actually becomes dead. Understanding the continuity of play despite a mechanical signal is essential for recognizing how game management operates in various scenarios.