4th and 5+/-inches then Def. Encroachment

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by JugglingReferee

This is among the best advice that a HL can do. If the downsbox is a carded official, I even have him be responsible for telling me if it's close to that tape or not - within half a yard. If the downsbox is a volunteer, then I manage the tape noticing myself.

The Canadian mechanic is to report to the R all pertinent information which includes this type of information. It even includes info such as how the play ended. We don't say "offside 21 defence". We do say: "offside, 21 defence. The play resulted in an interception. The offence had less than 5 yards to go."