Tag: ball spot

First-down spots limit the necessity for too many measurements

by Mark Schultz - 0

We have published stories over the years concerning the first down chains and how the chain crews work the equipment. While the chain gang is very competent, officials want to avoid bringing the chains in for a measurement whenever possible. They want to keep the game moving and sometimes measurements cause

NFL borrows 8th official from Big 12

by Ben Austro - 9

[Editor's note: In 2014, the participating NCAA conferences standardized the name from alternate official to center judge. This post refers to the terminology at the time it was written.] The NFL is looking to take a page from the playbook of one of its referees. Vice president of officiating Dean Blandino is

Umpire position moved starting with Hall of Fame game

by Ben Austro - 0

The NFL has ramped up its policy on avoiding concussions, and the policy has not excluded the referees. With high speed collisions involving the umpire position, the NFL has permanently moved the umpire to the offensive backfield, nine years after a pilot program of the switch was tried in the