File :-(, x, )
The inaccuracy of spotting the ball Anonymous
So I've been thinking lately, isn't spotting the ball and then "measuring" with the chains just a big joke? I mean, it's like a big game of telephone.

1. Player carries the ball to a certain point.
2. Line judge decides how far the ball went.
3. If it is too close to call, they put the ball down in about the spot where the line judge decided in step 2.
4. Then they measure the spot of the ball against the chains, which are carried out onto the field at approximately the same position as they were in on the sidelines.
5. The chains themselves were positioned for the previous set of downs based on the same somewhat inaccurate method.

So what's the rationale? I mean, I generally trust NFL refs to be accurate with their calls, but when things come down to inches, it seems like it's just as much luck as anything. Do they assume that everything will just "balance out"?

Or am I nuts for even caring?
>> Anonymous
They have a indicator on the sideline to have the same exact spot if you have ever been on the sideline for a football game. The Ref places on the middle of the closest yard line and thats how they spot it. Maybe off a few inches but whatever.
>> Anonymous
It's impossible to make spotting the ball an exact science, but there are times that call for a hard measurement. Even though it is based on an arbitrary judgement call, the fact that EVERY measurement is done the same way inherently grants stability and fairness.

tl;dr it's an impossible situation, but they're doing it the only way that it could ever be done.
>> OP
>>476430
I haven't been to a sideline at a football game. Are you just referring to the individual yard hash marks?

BTW, all I'm really asking about is when they spot the ball on an extremely close play, how can they possibly be accurate enough to determine whether it should be a first down or not? I mean, for nearly all plays, it's obvious where the ball should be spotted and a foot here or there won't make much difference. But when they measure the spot and the ball is, say, just a couple inches in either direction, doesn't that basically come down to chance?
>> OP
>>476432
Thanks, that makes sense. I know it'll never be exact but if they do it the same way every time it's at least impartial and won't reward one team more than another.
>> Anonymous
What are you talking about, idiots? The refs use the yellow line, just like the rest of us.
>> Anonymous
Spotting in football is so arbitrary, it's ridiculous.