Chain Crew

2024 Chain Crew Mechanics

The Chain Crew serves as the primary group that manages down and distance under the direction of the LOS officials and Officiating department. The Chain Crew must follow officials’ instructions, exhibit consistent mechanics, properly manage equipment, and be capable of performing the physical requirements of their respective position. Physical conditioning is a requisite for all chain crew personnel. The full crew must be able to keep pace with the game.

Chain crew operators must exercise safety along the sidelines, always be engaged in the game, and display a professional demeanor on the field as an NFL League employee. The Chain Crew operators should have a strong understanding of the rules and be able to work under high-pressure situations.

Chain Crew Positions: 

• Official Down Indicator Operator (scarlet vest) - Holds the official down marker, moves at the direction of the Down Judge, indicates the proper down, marks the location of the line of scrimmage, and confirms all aspects with the Auxiliary Down Indicator Operator. Marks the location of the line of scrimmage. Communicate Long/Short 5 to Down Judge when the down marker is close to the 5-yard tape on the chains.


• Auxiliary Down Indicator Operator (black and gold vest) – Holds the down marker on the opposite side from the official chains and moves at the direction of the Line Judge, delaying until the ball is placed at the next spot of snap. Confirm the proper down with the Official Down Indicator Operator.


• Back Chain Operator (black and gold vest) – Holds the upright marker attached to the chains that is placed where the ball is spotted when a new series is awarded.


• Front Chain Operator (black and gold vest)– Holds the upright marker attached to the chains that indicates the line to gain when a new series is awarded. This operator may also place an orange ground marker just off the sideline (in the middle of the “white”) to help players in locating the line to gain.


• Auxiliary Line to Gain Operator (black and gold vest) – Hold the upright marker opposite the official chains that will indicate the Line to Gain and will mirror the position of the Front Chain Operator. This operator may also place an orange ground marker just off the sideline (in the middle of the “white”) to help players in locating the line to gain.

$35/hour