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Home , Chain crew, Down (gridiron football), Line of scrimmage, Sidelines

CHAIN CREW INSTRUCTIONS

The sideline crew (chain gang) is a very important responsibility in producing a game and offers the best view of the action on the field. We are responsible for providing the sideline crew for each JV and Freshman home game. Please review the following instructions prior to your game date.

Sideline Crew Etiquette

1. Remember that you are part of the game officiating crew. Do not cheer, coach or instruct players from this position. 2. Introduce yourself to the Officials, especially the Linesman (Sideline Official) before the game and review any special instructions or questions. 3. Remember you are on the opposing team . Communicate only with the Officials. If there are any issues regarding game play direct coaches to the Officials. 4. Remain alert and aware at all times of what is happening on the field around you. If the play is coming to the sidelines near your location be prepared to drop the stick away from the field of play. Be aware of where your stick was located before being dropped. 5. Do not move the chains or box marker until instructed to do so in one of the following cases: a. Referee (“White hat”) signals first down and for chains to be moved, b. Linesman advises you to move chains on first down, c. Linesman advises you to move the chains or down box to adjust position to properly align with the . If you see a flag (penalty) keep your spot until instructed to move. 6. The Down Box Marker and starting chain marker on 1st down should be placed in line with front point of the ball in the direction the ball is going. Tips for aligning ball: a. The Ball is 1 foot long. If back edge of ball is on line front of ball is 1 foot from line. b. Judge distance of front tip of ball from nearest line or hash-mark c. Most Linesmen will put forward foot at leading point of ball lining up marker with officials heel is always a good start. d. When the ball is turned over on downs you will need to move the marker and chains to the opposite of the ball after the officials reset the ball 7. Do not engage in discussions with your team’s coaches and do not discuss any strategies or game related information observed or heard on the opposing teams sideline with others during halftime.

Remember that you represent Lassiter Trojan Football. Be professional, alert, patient and courteous at all times. And finally, have fun and enjoy the game!

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NFHS GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOOTBALL LINE-TO-GAIN CREWS

The typical line-to-gain crew consists of at least three individuals – a down-box operator and two to hold the rods (sticks). Unless otherwise possible by use of a fourth crew member, the down-box operator will attach the clip as specified. In some cases where a fourth crew member is present, that member may also be requested to record penalties on a chart provided by the officials. It is recommended that the members of the crew wear distinctive vests or jackets furnished by home or game management. Remind crew members that they are assistant officials, not fans.

PREGAME DUTIES

1. The line-to-gain crew shall meet the LINESMAN on the sideline opposite the press box at least 15 minutes before game time and also five minutes prior to the second-half kickoff. If an auxiliary down marker is used, the operator shall meet the LINE JUDGE on the press-box side at the same time. 2. The LINESMAN shall make certain that the official line-to-gain and down indicators have been placed opposite the press box or on the designated sideline and that all are in good working order and conform to the rules. The LINE JUDGE shall make certain that the auxiliary indicator is in good working order and is placed on the opposite side of the field from the line-to-gain crew. 3. The complete concentration of the crew is absolutely necessary if crew members are to discharge their duties efficiently. The crew must refrain from showing any partisan reaction to the events taking place on the playing field. The crew must be prepared to act immediately on instructions from the LINESMAN so that teams and all concerned will know the exact situation concerning the down and yards to be gained. The crew shall not move or change the number of the down until signaled to do so by the LINESMAN. The auxiliary down-box operator shall act only on instructions from the LINE JUDGE. The crew must remain impartial and may not communicate down and distance information to specific members of the coaching staff or team.

GAME PROCEDURES

1. On the LINESMAN’S signal, the crew shall move as quickly as possible to the next position. 2. When a runner or pass receiver is going in the immediate vicinity, the involved crew member is to quickly and carefully drop the marker and move away from the sideline, keeping his/her eye on the spot of the marker. The crew members away from the play should hold their positions if possible. 3. The LINESMAN will set the spot of all first downs by going to the sidelines and marking, while facing the field, the exact spot where the rear stake will be set. The front crew member will then be sure the chain is fully extended before setting his/her stake. 4. The DOWN-BOX OPERATOR, on every new series of downs, will set the box at the spot marked by the LINESMAN. When the line-to-gain equipment is moved, the rear rod is to be set behind the down marker and then the clip shall be placed at the back edge of the 5-yard line nearest the rear rod. The marker must be held at all times in an upright position with the down correctly shown. 5. The DOWN-BOX OPERATOR is to show the number of the down just completed and shall not indicate the new down until so notified by the LINESMAN. On instruction from the LINESMAN, the DOWN-BOX OPERATOR will move the down marker to a new position with the marker placed at the forward point of the ball and change the marker to the correct down. 6. On all measurements for first down when the chain is moved onto the field, the DOWN-BOX OPERATOR is to place his/her marker at the spot of the front rod until a new series of downs is declared or the chain is returned to its previous position.

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7. The chain is not extended if it is a first-and-goal situation. The LINESMAN should provide the DOWN-BOX OPERATOR a bean bag in this situation to mark location of the box in case it is moved during the down. 8. The DOWN-BOX OPERATOR should place the marker on the on all try situations. This will aid players and officials in determining the line of scrimmage on all plays toward the sideline. The chain will not be placed on a try. 9. If the sidelines become crowded and the crew does not have room to efficiently discharge its duties, the crew is to notify the LINESMAN immediately so that a time-out may be called and sidelines cleared before the game will be allowed to proceed. 10. If the game is delayed for any reason, the crew will stay with the officials. 11. The official line-to-gain and down indicators shall be operated approximately 2 yards outside the sideline opposite the press box, except in stadiums where the total playing enclosure does not permit. Unofficial auxiliary line-to-gain and down indicators may be used on the sideline opposite the official line-to-gain and down indicators, and shall be operated approximately 2 yards outside the sideline, except in stadiums where the total playing enclosure does not permit. All indicators shall be operated as far off the sideline (up to 2 yards) as facilities permit and as directed by the LINESMAN and LINE JUDGE.

Source: National Federation of State High School Associations, 2011 www.NFHS.org

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