What happens during a timeout granted by the officials?

When officials grant a timeout, the game clock is stopped until play resumes. This allows teams to regroup, strategize, or make necessary substitutions without the pressure of the game clock running.

During this period, officials take the opportunity to manage the game effectively and ensure that any game-related issues, such as player injuries or disputes, can be addressed. This practice is crucial for maintaining the flow of the game and ensuring fairness to both teams.

The other options do not accurately represent the rules governing timeouts in football. For example, the game clock does not start automatically after a timeout, nor is there a requirement for both teams to use a timeout simultaneously. Additionally, it is not solely up to the team with possession to decide when to restart play, as that is managed by the officials.