Originally Posted by
truedawg
If you are under the impression that the chain gain puts the chain wherever they want, then you are mistaken. The head linesman "spots" the chain and the "down-box" location for every play. Penalties are marked off by the officials and the chain is directed by them. We have had several incidents in the pass where the officials have made mistakes on spotting the ball and making off penalties which have been pointed out by out chain crew, but the chain crew does not make these decisions. I can assure you every effort is being made to ensure the accuracy of first downs, penalties, measurements and all that is involved.