removing chain gang

[ump33]

Absolutely, the Chain Crew is a part of the Officiating Crew. The following is from the 2012-2013 NFHS Officials Manual:

Page 11 … Linesman Pre-Game Responsibilities
IX-D3. Remind crew of their duties, responsibilities, and that they are game officials, not fans.


Page 11 & 12 … Auxiliary Game Officials Responsibilities
B … Line-To-Gain Crew:
The line-to-gain crew serves as assistant officials and is partly responsible for promoting the smooth operation of the game. Because the crew is serving in official capacities, it must be reminded it has forfeited rights and privileges as fans and shall refrain from making remarks or acting in a partisan manner. It is not required, nor is it necessary for a representative of the visiting team to serve as a member of the line-to-gain crew. This often detracts from efficiency. If a member of the line-to-gain crew has a reputation of incompetency or of being a distracting influence, the referee is authorized to replace such an incompetent crew member.
The home management is expected to provide a line-to-gain crew which will be businesslike and impartial in discharging its responsibilities. Any individual member who cannot comply must be removed. There should be nothing to detract from the efficiency of game administration. Those on each end of the line-to-gain equipment must keep it stretched tightly and not move it until instructed to do so by the linesman.