New Mechanic

[OKREF]

Originally Posted by SE Minnestoa Re

Do the chains move as well? If they do, it will be difficult for the booth to see them. As a white hat, I look for different skill sets with the linesman and the judge. I expect my judge to maybe run a little better so he can assist with punts.

The chains stay on the visiting side. If I remember correctly, this is coming from the NFHS, and not a state decision.

[BktBallRef]

Originally Posted by OKREF

The chains stay on the visiting side. If I remember correctly, this is coming from the NFHS, and not a state decision.

I don't think so. Haven't seen anything from the NFHS on this. This is a state option.

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

I don't think so. Haven't seen anything from the NFHS on this. This is a state option.

There are a few states experimenting with it this year. I think it's an experimental mechanic change coming from the NFHS.

[HLin NC]

Frankenstein was an experiment too. Jus' sayin'.

[Ruppsrevenge]

I personally believe it causes confusion as the wing guys forget sometimes momentarily where they are working. Especially in 4-man mechanics for some of the lesser grade levels where the LJ acts similar to the BJ for punts.

This is our second year doing this mechanic and I could do without it.

Except we do not switch the chains. Essentially the LJ has the responsibilities of the HL and the HL has the responsibilities of the LJ.

[HLin NC]

Here's a thought. Make the teams switch sidelines after halftime. See how many coaches vote for that?

Why would you switch ballboys in high school football? I understand college because you have ballboys for each team on each sideline, I believe. Most of the ballboys we deal with are young kids, some are coaches kids. No way are they going to go to the other team's sideline.

[CT1]

Found out in our meeting yesterday that we are now apparently allowed to switch under the following circumstances:

(1) The switch will be announced when the assignment is given out
(2) Both wings will attend the chain crew pre-game
(3) The "stronger" HL will be the LJ for the first half.

[KWH]

Originally Posted by OKREF

...If I remember correctly, this is coming from the NFHS, and not a state decision.

I can attest for a fact this is NOT coming from the NFHS.
This is coming from Kentucky where someone saw it on TV and conjured up the notion that we needs it too.

This is a big waste of time and has less than little or no chance of becoming an NFHS mechanic.

If it is so damned important to some people that each coach see the Head Linesman for half a game, then,
have the teams swap sidelines at half time.