18. MEASUREMENTS

  1. If you are in doubt whether the line to gain has been reached at the end of a play from scrimmage, blow your whistle, signal timeout [S3] and notify the Referee.
  2. [REFEREE] It is your decision as to whether a measurement is necessary or not. Do not be influenced by requests from either team, but take into account the field and field marking conditions. A measurement is more likely when the ball becomes dead some distance from a hash mark because it is more difficult to accurately judge the relationship of the ball to the line to gain.
  3. A measurement may change the tempo of the game, but equally may be essential both to determine whether the line to gain has been reached and to maintain confidence in officials' decisions. §
    1. Because of the importance of the situation after a 4th down play, a measurement should be arranged unless there is absolutely no doubt in anyone's mind as to whether or not the line to gain has been reached. After a 3rd down play, it may be almost as important.
    2. The time remaining in the game should not be a factor in deciding whether or not to measure, but try to avoid measurements when the clock is running during the last 2 minutes of a half after 1st or 2nd down. However, when there is a running clock, be disposed to give the trailing team a first down rather than measure.
  4. For a measurement, the Coverer must place the ball at the precise dead-ball spot - not a spot level with that. The ball must never be moved from the dead-ball spot until after the measurement is made, in particular the ball must not be moved if it becomes dead in a side zone. If it becomes dead out of bounds it shall be placed at the correct spot on the sideline.
  5. [IN xx0 FORMATION (CREW OF 4)] [REFEREE] or [IN xx1/xx3 FORMATION (CREW OF 5/6C/7/8)] [BACK JUDGE] or [IN xx2 FORMATION (CREW OF 6D)] [FIELD JUDGE] Ensure that the ball is at the correct dead-ball spot, and hold it there if necessary. Mark the nose of the ball with a bean bag only if there is a serious risk of it being moved.
  6. [IN xx0/2x1/xx2 FORMATION (CREW OF 4/5/6D)] [REFEREE] [IN 3x1 FORMATION (CREW OF 6C)] [CENTRE JUDGE] or [IN xx3 FORMATION (CREW OF 7/8)] [FIELD JUDGE] Ensure that the press box has a clear view of the measurement.
  7. [LINE JUDGE] Move quickly to a position on the appropriate yard line to indicate with your foot where the Down Judge should place the clip in order to make an accurate measurement (i.e. in a precise north-south line with the ball). When the chain is brought in, there is no need to put your foot on it.
  8. [DOWN JUDGE]
    1. Unless there is a flag on the play, instruct the down box operator to place the down box exactly at the position of the front stake. If there is a flag on the play, [IN xx0/xx1 FORMATION (CREW OF 4/5/6C)] drop a bean bag to mark the location of the front stake. In either case, the number shown on the down box shall be that of the previous down.
    2. Grasp the chain at the point where the clip is set and direct the stake operators to bring the chain to the required position on the field. Place the chain so that its position corresponds exactly to that which it occupied on the sideline, which should be marked by the Line Judge's foot. Then call "ready".
  9. [SIDE JUDGE] Remain with the down box on the sideline at the front stake and adjust its position once the outcome of the measurement is known. If there is a flag on the play, drop a bean bag to mark the location of the front stake.
  10. [UMPIRE] Take the front stake from the operator when they are a few yards away from the dead-ball spot, position the stake initially a few inches behind the ball and, when the Down Judge calls "ready", gently pull the chain taut with the stake/chain immediately next to the ball. Try to avoid the stake and chain touching and moving the ball. §
  11. [IN xx0/2x1/xx2 FORMATION (CREW OF 4/5/6D)] [LINE JUDGE] or [IN 2x3 FORMATION (CREW OF 7)] [FIELD JUDGE] [IN 3xx FORMATION (CREW OF 6C/8)] [CENTRE JUDGE] If the measurement is in a side zone, obtain a new ball from a ball person and hold it ready for use.
  12. [REFEREE] Determine whether the line to gain has been reached and announce your ruling. Remember that a first down is made if any part of the ball is level with or beyond any part of the front stake.
  13. [REFEREE] On downs 1-3, if the ball is short of the first down and outside the hash marks, grasp the chain at the forward point of the ball and position a new ball at the hash mark, using the chain as a guide to placement.
  14. [UMPIRE] Once the measurement is completed, return the front stake to the stake operator.
  15. [DOWN JUDGE]
    1. If a first down has been achieved, instruct the chain crew to set up for a new first down. There is no need to return the clip to its previous position.
    2. If a first down has not been achieved, return the clip to its correct position on the chain clip reference mark and ensure that the chain crew returns the chain to its previous position.
  16. [REFEREE] Signal the ball ready for play when the Down Judge ensures that the chain is reset in the correct location and all other officials are in position. §

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Editor: Jim Briggs, Editor, IAFOA Manual of Football Officiating
jim.briggs.football@gmail.com

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