Moving the chains

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Jim D

The HL should be moving the chains, not the R.

Why? I'm in a better position to see the entire field, note there are no flags, and get them moving. The HL may be getting a spot WAY downfield and I'm not going to wait for him to move the chains. Some of those guys aren't fast enough as it is.

We instruct the chains to not move unless the linesman OR the WH instruct them.

[Tom Hinrichs]

When we have a first down:
1. Our LJ is usually the first to stop the clock. Make sure the clock is stopped-sometimes we signal, but the clock still runs.
2. Once the White Hat gets the first down indication (with us it's a small jab of the index finger, plus the verbal, "you've got one," by the LJ) the White Hat will signal the HL to move the chains. (We use one hand moving the palm to the shoulder.-)
3. While the chains are moving- the white hat will signal first down.
4. Following the first down signal, the white hat will wait until the chains are set and the HL points to the white hat.
5. The ready comes after the signal from the HL.

Key Points:
1. Stop the clock- make sure
2. Verbalize the first down
3. Dont get into a hurry- make sure not to sound the ready until the chains are set.

This is another situation where it pays to be deliberate-the clock is stopped, so take your time.

[Jim D]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

Why? I'm in a better position to see the entire field, note there are no flags, and get them moving. The HL may be getting a spot WAY downfield and I'm not going to wait for him to move the chains. Some of those guys aren't fast enough as it is.

We instruct the chains to not move unless the linesman OR the WH instruct them.

It's just a responsibility issue. If I'm the HL, I want the chains to work only off my instructions. Flip the down when I tell them to, move when I tell them to, etc.

[With_Two_Flakes]

I'm the same. In the pregame instruction to the chain crew, I tell the boxman to watch me on long gains and either:-

a) I'll wave him to bring up the chains once I see the WH signal a new 1st down and I'm happy there were no flags, or

b) I'll be giving him the freeze signal if there is a flag.

I prefer to have the boxman watching just me for movement signals, I find that keeps things simple and simple works best especially with folks who might be a reluctant chain crew.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by Jim D

It's just a responsibility issue. If I'm the HL, I want the chains to work only off my instructions. Flip the down when I tell them to, move when I tell them to, etc.

I agree - I'm HL on my crew, and the chain guys should be looking solely at me.

[JugglingReferee]

CANADIAN MECHANIC:

Only the WH moves the chains. We don't run into any issues of the HL being too far downfield to bring them. The R - HL - stick crew communication works like a charm up here... it's very efficient.