n-field officials often take for granted the chain crew, and, sometimes, for the obvious reason: They are not connected to the game, especially at the lower levels.

NFHS states that the linesman should meet with the chain crew fifteen minutes before game time. At some schools, that may be routine, but at others they are still trying to round up individuals to man the chain crew at kickoff.

Meeting the chain crew

Ideally, the head linesman meets with the chain crew before the game. The meeting should focus on their operation. Last season, the mechanics for the chain crew changed. Instead of the chain crew being positioned directly on the sideline, they now set the chains for first down, clip the chain, and move the chain back two yards off the sideline.

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