Chain Crews

[Ed Hickland]

As a white hat, spots and chains improperly handled are two things that really upset me.

I have my linesman make sure the chains are 10 yards and someone will be operating the clip before the game starts. He also must place a piece of tape at the 5-yard mark so that on 5-yard penalties we know before enforcement if we have a first.

The clip always goes on the rear edge of the first yard line closest to the rear stake, theory being it is the shortest and truest distance from the initial ball placement.

When it is judged that the chains need to come in I demand that the ball is not moved. Bring the chains into the ball. Nothing looks sloppier than an official picking up the ball and moving it then measuring for a first down. What if the measurement comes up 1/4 inch short? Did your action cause it?