Chain Crew

[HLin NC]

As a HL it is very difficult to keep an eye on the chains during play as they are behind me for the most part. I am in much greater contact with the box man. It should be noticed between downs after setting the box that the chain isn't tight. Chain crews are advised in pre-game to alert us if there is a problem with the chains or people in their way.

However, somebody in the crew, usually the umpire- should have had the bell go off "hey we started at the 20 and we aren't at the 30 yet".

If this happened as described, the mistake is probably a white hat trying to work too fast a pace or a HL not paying attention to his chain.

[waltjp]

If the line to gain marker was off by 2 yards there's definately a problem. The Linesman should noticed that there was a problem.

To the other extream I've seen assistant coaches complain that the chain wasn't pulled tight. This often happens when the clip is put on the chain and results in a slight wave. I repeatedly told the coach that it wasn't a problem but he kept complaining about it. I finally kicked the far marker to stretch the chain until it was tight. The marker probably moved about 2 chain lengths. I promised him that if the ball ever got that close that we'd measure it.

[Forksref]

Where's the linesman in all of this?