Clock format accepting answers after time out?

[FryingggPannn]

I’ve come across this on Mech’s YouTube channel:

Notice that the answer had been locked in after the clock ran out on zero. I think the contestant was saying “Vermont” when the clock ran out, before “final answer,” and the fact that the answer was accepted seems—I don’t know—a bit too forgiving? Recall how on the first day of the clock format, Meredith said “if you don’t beat the clock and say final answer, you’re going to be forced to walk away.” Thoughts?

[kplewisvox]

In the interest of not making foul television, I'm guessing they had a rule similar to Wheel of Fortune. If you start the answer before the buzzer, and complete it without stopping, it's acceptable.

[FinalAnswer19]

I do indeed remember reading the rules back in the day and as long as the contestant started their answer with time on the clock, it was accepted.

[FryingggPannn]

Oh, that makes much more sense. Thank you!

But FinalAnswer19, where did those rules come from?

[RegisFan]

The rules used to be posted on Disney’s official WWTBAM website.

[FinalAnswer19]

Jan 13, 2022 16:57:11 GMT -5 RegisFan said:

The rules used to be posted on Disney’s official WWTBAM website.

FryingggPannn, this

[millionairefan64]

She started her answer before time ran out so it was accepted. Funny the answer was my state capital.

[retched]

I've been meaning to do a full IANAL/rule shark analysis of the game's official rules but from the wayback machine:

Rule 4(C). Game Play:

...If a Contestant is in the process of giving an answer when time expires and the Buzzer sounds, the Contestant may finish his/her answer. He/She must continue to say "Final Answer" immediately following the answer choice. If the Contestant starts his/her answer at the same moment as the time expires and the Buzzer sounds the Contestant may finish his/her answer including continuing to immediately say "Final Answer."...

In short, only the words "Final Answer" will stop the clock. (Looking at you Australian Hot Seat.) If you're running out of time, you can quickly sprint to the finish and say Final Answer and the producers will allow it.