Spotting out of bounds punts

[laymonr]

I have observed officials spotting out of bounds punts by walking up the sideline while looking toward the previous line of scrimmage and then coming to a stop at some point where the new line of scrimmage will be. They don't appear to note where the ball hits the ground out of bounds. I don't believe this is an accurate method as it is difficult to obtain a good perspective. I believe a more accurate method would be to have an official throw a flag or hat at the place where the punter makes contact. The spotting official would then go to the spot where the ball lands out of bounds, then start walking straight for the dropped flag or hat. When he reaches the sideline, he would then have an accurate new line of scrimmage.

Just a thought. Perhaps officials are using a different method than it appears on TV.