Talk:Chain crew

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[edit] How accurate is the chain measuring...

No sure how to explain my doubts about the chain measuring without any visual diagram but essentially, when the chain crew walks out onto the field to measure, what is there to ensure that the chain is PARALLEL to the sidelines? What I mean is that what if the chain is a little slanted over a length of 10 yards any degree deviation from the base/sideline can probably cost inches.

I've been watching a lot of football and talked to a lot of people but I never seem to be able to find the answer to this. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 19:37, 20 July 2006 Dexterbot (talk • contribs) .

The good news is that a small error doesn't cost much. If you do a little trig, for the chain crew to commit an error of just an inch, they'd have to be skewed by 4°, which is a lot: the lateral positions of the sticks would be more than a 2.2 feet apart. Surely they can do better than that. I'd worry more about spotting the ball correctly. Melchoir 23:55, 17 October 2006 (UTC)

When we measure there's still a lot of eyeballing and it's not an exact science, but a few steps are made to be sure that it's pretty close:

  • As mentioned in the article, a clip is placed on the chain at a major 5-yard mark. Mechanics will vary by conference/league/crew, but usually the one about 4-8 yards from the line to gain.
  • When the chains are brought onto the field, an official will mark the spot on that yardline that is even with the ball. This isn't too hard to eyeball pretty closely.
  • The chain will be first placed on the field at the clip. It's not too hard to make sure that the chain is perpendicular to the yard line when it is pulled tight.
  • The measurement happens and half the players rejoice.

Mishatx 15:41, 8 November 2006 (UTC)

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