How do American football officials measure first down yardage with chains especially when they go on the field to confirm first downs?

When an American football game reaches a crucial moment and the offense needs to gain a certain number of yards to earn a first down, officials use chains to accurately measure the distance gained. Here's how the process unfolds:

  1. Setup: Two sets of chains are extended perpendicular to the sidelines, one at the previous line of scrimmage and another 10 yards downfield. Each chain consists of 10-yard increments.

  2. Placement: The officials place the first chain at the spot where the ball was set down for the previous play. The second chain is placed 10 yards downfield, parallel to the first chain and aligned with the yardage markers on the field.

  3. Chains Measurement: The officials count the number of links on the second chain that coincide with the nearest yardage marker on the field. This provides the number of yards gained from the previous line of scrimmage.

  4. Confirmation: The officials verbally announce the measured distance and display the yardage on a measurement device for confirmation.

  5. First Down Determination: If the measured distance equals or exceeds the required yardage for a first down, the offense has successfully earned a first down. If the distance is short, the offense fails to achieve the first down and the ball is turned over to the opposing team.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. What happens if the chains are not aligned correctly?
    • The officials will adjust the chains to ensure accuracy.
  2. How do they measure yardage when the ball is out of bounds?
    • They extend the chains perpendicular to the sidelines at the point where the ball went out of bounds.
  3. Are there any other methods used to measure first down yardage?
    • Yes, electronic measuring devices can also be used.
  4. How do they handle disputed measurements?
    • The referee makes the final call based on the measurements and video review if necessary.
  5. What is the tolerance for measuring a first down?
    • Typically, a tolerance of one inch is allowed.

Hot-Selling Products:

  • Franklin Sports NFL Chains
  • Wilson NFL Official Football
  • Nike Vapor Elite Football Cleats
  • Riddell SpeedFlex Football Helmet
  • Adidas Adizero Gloves
American Football Helmet Riddell SpeedFlex High Performance Adult NFL Football Helmet

American Football Helmet Riddell SpeedFlex High Performance Adult NFL Football Helmet
$11559.86

Spot Riddell SpeedFlex Adult American Football Helmet Football

Spot Riddell SpeedFlex Adult American Football Helmet Football
$1392.0

Pre：What is the origin of the phrase to call an audible
Next：What is the reason for NFL games starting late

^