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Why do we hardly ever see the chains brought on field to make a measurement?

uihawk82

HB Heisman
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Nov 17, 2021
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It used to happen a lot. These officials are no more eagle eyed now than 20 or 40 years ago.

And I will say that over the years I have seen the accuracy of spotting the ball down correctly has gotten worse in my opinion. So when I see a very close spot and an official on the new line where the ball was just marked down just casually point his finger forward that it is a first down I really have to wonder.
 
I can tell you in high school, we always always always start a drive (and very often, a new set of downs) directly on a hash, even if we have to give or take a half yard. If the ball reaches the next ten yard hash, we know it’s a first down. Speeds the game up.

Obviously changes a bit the deeper and more competitive the game is. But that’s the reason why.
 
I believe they decided to not have as many measurements to help keep the game moving along.

Seems like they usually give the 1st down if it is close. Rarely see them call it short if it’s close.
Well if that is the reason then I would really be pissed if they brought out the chains late in the game and screwed my team. I mean normally you can see if the tip of the ball is close or not. If it is too close then measure it. They dont even eyeball it before the players are up from the pile.
 
I can tell you in high school, we always always always start a drive (and very often, a new set of downs) directly on a hash, even if we have to give or take a half yard. If the ball reaches the next ten yard hash, we know it’s a first down. Speeds the game up.

Obviously changes a bit the deeper and more competitive the game is. But that’s the reason why.
I think I’ve observed the same thing in the college game, at least in the last couple seasons. A set of downs will almost always begin exactly on a yard line, making the on-the-field determination of a first down much easier.

Does anyone know if this is a real, deliberate thing? For example, has the NCAA stated publicly that this is the officiating norm?
 
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I think I’ve observed the same thing in the college game, at least in the last couple seasons. A set of downs will almost always begin exactly on a yard line, making the on-the-field determination of a first down much easier.

Does anyone know if this is a real, deliberate thing? For example, has the NCAA stated publicly that this is the officiating norm?
Probably not publicly but it’s one of the first mechanics you learn as a football ref so it’s just an accepted part of officiating and the game itself. If a ball is intercepted on the 34 1/2 yard line, no one bats an eye if it starts on the 34 or 35. Outside of maybe the last possession.
 
While we're riffing on rules, etc. Why hasn't college moved the hashmarks closer like the NFL?
 
The time involved to bring the chains in for a measurement is not long enough for 3-5 minute commercial break for TV.

Commercial breaks in CFB are between 2-2:30 nowadays except for end of quarters which are usually in the 3-3:30 range. Bowl games, CCG's etc usually add 15 seconds to these.
 
I think I’ve observed the same thing in the college game, at least in the last couple seasons. A set of downs will almost always begin exactly on a yard line, making the on-the-field determination of a first down much easier.

Does anyone know if this is a real, deliberate thing? For example, has the NCAA stated publicly that this is the officiating norm?
I dont know if it is a "thing" but like you and others have said I see a lot of resulting starting positions after kickoffs are run back and punts are handled starting right at part of a hashmark
 
I've always found it comical we have a finite system of measuring something that is based entirely on a guess in the first place.
But once the guess is made then it is a finite length between the ends of the chains.

Your point about the guess is also one of the more interesting one because we all see a fair amount of lousy/terrible spots adding or shorting teams as much as a yard.
 
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It used to happen a lot. These officials are no more eagle eyed now than 20 or 40 years ago.

And I will say that over the years I have seen the accuracy of spotting the ball down correctly has gotten worse in my opinion. So when I see a very close spot and an official on the new line where the ball was just marked down just casually point his finger forward that it is a first down I really have to wonder.
Most of the games are on turf. The markings are more definite and no crown. The old carpet had seams that moved over time.

It's easier to Judge if it crosses the hash mark in the middle of the field. It also does on the sideline.
 
we need a...

Dr Evil Laser GIF
 
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