NFHS: Unnumbered field

[voiceoflg]

I've broadcast more than 100 NFHS varsity football games and this past Friday was my first on an unnumbered field. There was a logo at the 50, so that helped. But no other numbers. In fact, there were metal signs of numbers usually placed on the fence around the field, but they were stacked neatly on the ground during the game. Is there a rule requiring the field to be numbered? If not, would you be in favor of one?

[andy1033]

The field should have numbers. If not send a note to the school. Thats all we can do.

[waltjp]

If the field is improperly marked we're required to follow-up with a letter to our state association informing them of the problem.

[Warrenkicker]

This is the only reference in the rules book.

1-2-2 Yard-line markers, constructed of soft, pliable materials, if placed on the ground, should be no closer than 5 yards to the sideline.

That implies that there must be yard-line markers.

I will remember the 5 yards though as I don't think we ever move them that far back. I will bring that up this Friday.

[JRutledge]

I do not have my books at all, but numbers are not at all required. The rules about illegal substitution that added the 9 yard marks could apply to numbers or a line or "tick mark" in order comply with a legal substitution. The numbers are never required on a field. It is just in recent years that I can pretty much expect numbers on the field. Many fields for years only had lines.

Peace

[andy1033]

they are suppose to have a hash mark or numbers per rules.

see 1.2f

[GFD406]

Originally Posted by Warrenkicker

This is the only reference in the rules book.

1-2-2 Yard-line markers, constructed of soft, pliable materials, if placed on the ground, should be no closer than 5 yards to the sideline.

That implies that there must be yard-line markers.

I will remember the 5 yards though as I don't think we ever move them that far back. I will bring that up this Friday.

I move them every week, I dont move them 5 yards because most fields do not have that much room. Seem like every school puts them right. I normally move them to the edge of the team box.

[Warrenkicker]

Originally Posted by GFD406

I move them every week, I dont move them 5 yards because most fields do not have that much room. Seem like every school puts them right. I normally move them to the edge of the team box.

Since the two yard belt around the field is now supposed to be clear of anybody except for the three coaches in the coach's box it is convenient to use the yard markers to indicate the edge of this belt if there isn't a line. I usually move the goal line marker further away as I will get a long way off the field sometimes there. I don't want to be tripping over something there and also don't want to give up the line if the play comes toward the pylon. I will end up 5 yards off the field sometimes to avoid being rolled into by a tackler. The year before I joined my first varsity crew that crew had a wing rolled into at the goal line and he broke his leg.