Tape halfway point of the chain?

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by HL Clippenchain

Why do some HL's put tape halfway up the chain?

Any NCAA-level game that I do, I bring out a marker (small clip, tape, etc) to mark the link that is half-way. As the others have noted, it helps with determining when first downs are awarded because of a defensive penalty.

Originally Posted by HL Clippenchain

I was also wondering why some crews move the down box to the front post on measurements.

This is an APG - automatic problem generator. What happens if you need the previous spot because of a possible penalty enforcement? Use the HL's foot to mark the spot of the LTG.