We're Not Measuring!

[Robert Goodman]

Originally Posted by Rich

The field *could* be off.

That doesn't matter to me -- if we spot it on exactly the 35 for 1st and 10, it has to reach the 45 *on that field* for a first down. Matter of fact, I'll argue that this is a reason to *never* measure in this situation -- otherwise, how can we ever use the field markings?

I agree. What if the goal line is crooked? Would you award a score on the basis of the ball's being dead where the end zone should have been marked?

I would make an exception for crooked goal posts, though. If an upright is bent and the ball is kicked beyond its vertical extent, I'm not projecting that angled line into space to judge whether a FG try succeeded. But that's only because it's a projection; if the ball passed inside or outside the physical post itself, that still counts.

[ajmc]

Life is a lot easier and games go a lot smoother when you believe, and accept, all lines are perfectly straight, and are exactly 5 and/or 10 yards apart.

[CT1]

Originally Posted by ajmc

Life is a lot easier and games go a lot smoother when you believe, and accept, all lines are perfectly straight, and are exactly 5 and/or 10 yards apart.

Fair for one, fair for all.

[Matt-MI]

I worked on a field that was lined after a"Three Martini Lunch". A ball at one hash mark could be a first down and a yard short on the opposite hash. The only lines remotely straight were the sidelines which the guy did before lunch. When he numbered the yard lines he forgot the 10 yd line at one end and we had two 50 yd lines.

[Tom.OH]

Originally Posted by Matt-MI

I worked on a field that was lined after a"Three Martini Lunch". A ball at one hash mark could be a first down and a yard short on the opposite hash. The only lines remotely straight were the sidelines which the guy did before lunch. When he numbered the yard lines he forgot the 10 yd line at one end and we had two 50 yd lines.

Matt, I have also worked on the "same" field!