- Level
- Anyone can do it
- Time
- ~2.5 hours · the whole game, on the visitor sideline
- Crew size
- 3 people
- Where
- Visiting-team sideline
- Distance apart
- Exactly 10 yards (the chain)
- You follow
- The head linesman
Quick start
- 1
Meet the head linesman 20 minutes before kickoff
That's the official who works your sideline all game. They'll tell each of you which job you have and exactly when to move. Introduce yourselves — you're a team for the night.
- 2
Know your three jobs
Two people hold the chain ends (the rods); one person works the down box (the orange marker with the flip numbers 1–2–3–4). The chain is exactly 10 yards long — that's the first-down distance.
- 3
Move only when the head linesman signals
Never move on your own. When the official sets the ball and signals, the box operator slides the down box to the front tip of the ball; the chain crew follows.
- 4
Stay a step off the sideline & keep your eyes up
Players run out of bounds — give yourself room and watch the play coming toward you. Set the rod down and step back if a play heads your way.
Watch first
Chain Crew Instructions (Instructional Series)
Walks the chain crew through rod/box setup, movement pace, clip placement, and sideline safety — the role's exact mechanics.
Chain Crew Introductory Video
Orients first-time chain crew members on positions, expectations, and game-day protocol before kickoff.
Meet the crew
Three of you work together. The two rod people hold the ends of a 10-yard chain — one rod marks where the current series started, the other marks the first-down line. The down-box person holds the orange marker that shows the down (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th) and stands at the spot of the ball. You'll line up on the visiting team's sideline next to the head linesman.
What happens each first down
- 1
Offense gets a new set of downs.
The official sets the ball and signals first down.
- 2
The trailing rod is set at the back tip of the ball, the chain is pulled tight, and the lead rod shows the line to gain — 10 yards away.
- 3
The down box slides to the front tip of the ball and flips to '1'.
- 4
After each play, the box operator updates the down number (2, 3, 4) and moves to the new spot of the ball — but the chain stays put until a new first down.
What makes a great chain crew
- You move together and only on the official's signal.
- You keep the chain tight and the down box at the right spot.
- You stay alert — eyes on the field, ready to step back.
- You stay neutral: no cheering, no reacting to calls. You're part of the officiating crew tonight.
More resources
Sources: NFHS Football Rules Book; USA Football game-day guidance