About this role
"Now is the Time: United to Make a Difference" HOME MIDDLE SCHOOL FOOTBALL CHAIN CREW QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS: Successful applicants shall possess the following:
• Ability to work successfully with others.
• Knowledge of the rules and responsibilities of beign a chain crew worker
• Knowledge of chain crew etiquette
• Ability to be on time.
• Be able to pass a volunteer backround check
• Be able to be professional, alert, courteous, and patient at all times.
REPORTS TO: Athletic Director or Assistant Athletic Director RESPONSIBILITIES: The chain gang is extremely important to the flow of the game, and also in ensuring the accuracy of field posesseion. It is the duty of the chain gang to mark possession on the field, utilizing the set of chains on the sideline. They must quickly realign the chains every time that an offense gets a first down and they also must be able to accurately place the chains so that the distances can be measured correctly. While they signal and enforce the decisions of the officials, the chain gang does not make its own decisions. The chain gang brings the chains out onto the field of play whenever the referee needs a closer, accurate measurement of if a first down has been achieved. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Remember that you are part of the game officiating crew. Do not cheer, coach or instruct players from this position. 2. Introduce yourself to the Officials, especially the Linesman (Sideline Official) before the game and review any special instructions or questions. 3. Remember you are on the opposing team sidelines. Communicate only with the Officials. If there are any issues regarding game play direct coaches to the Officials. 4. Remain alert and aware at all times of what is happening on the field around you. If the play is coming to the sidelines near your location be prepared to drop the stick away from the field of play. Be aware of where your stick was located before being dropped. 5. Do not move the chains or down box marker until instructed to do so in one of the following cases: a. Referee (“White hat”) signals first down and for chains to be moved, b. Linesman advises you to move chains on first down, c. Linesman advises you to move the chains or down box to adjust position to properly align with the ball. If you see a flag (penalty) keep your spot until instructed to move. 6. The Down Box Marker and starting chain marker on 1st down should be placed in line with front point of the ball in the direction the ball is going. 7. Do not engage in discussions with your team's coaches and do not discuss any strategies or game related information observed or heard on the opposing teams sideline with others during halftime. TERM: All Middle School Home Football Games for the 2026-2027 Football Season only.