Pylons
 

Gentleman:

Curiosity question. What is the purpose of the two pylons that are 3 feet beyond the back endzone boundary?

Thanks!

For the guy who chalks the hash marks to stake his line. Especially on artificial fields where they're permanently painted.

It also allows free movement for the Back Judge if he has to move along the end-line.

In high school games, where some fields aren't mark very well, they help the umpire know where the hash marks are so the ball can be properly spotted.

As an umpire, I have to rely on those pylons more often than not, because a good many of the fields around here never have hash marks on the field. Some have no hash marks on the sideline or on the field.