When may a coach as for a measurement as to how far it is for a first down? Does the ref have to grant the request? Is this rule applicable in college too? :confused: THX

When may a coach as for a measurement as to how far it is for a first down? Does the ref have to grant the request? Is this rule applicable in college too? :confused: THX

 

I believe that a decision to call for a measurement rests solely with the REf.

 

A Coach has no right to call for one or request one - and have that request granted. (They may call for it all they want --- but does not mean they are entitled to it).

 

I think that when the ball is "close" - the practice is for the officials to call for the measurement.

There is no rule that dictates that a measurement "has" to be granted whenever a coach request one. It varies. If it appears that the ball is close to the line to gain, and you're on a poorly marked field, a field that has a huge crown on it, a muddy field, or you simply can't tell, most Rs will bring the chains out and take measurement. It’s much easier on the new turf fields since most umpires, or at least the experienced ones, will start each new series on a line. If you start on a line, you'll end on a line, and a measurement isn't necessary. For instance, if you start a series on the -22 (going out), you know that you have to get to the -32 for a first down. Even then, if it’s a close game, and there is a question about whether a first down has been gained, some Rs will take a measurement.