What should have happened is irrelevant once what *did* happen occurred. How do you move forward as a crew?
It's way too late to "correct" anything that happened, in this incident, but we can remind ourselves of some basics to avoid making or repeating unnecessary mistakes.
Basically,
SLOW DOWN. When the chains are set for each/every new series:
*"Clip" (mark the chain at the 10 yard line closest to the rear stake) making sure the "clip" is firmly attached.
*If the chains are dropped, during the series, use the "clip" to accurately reset them
EVERY time. *Wait until signaled & the clock stopped( to move the chains if necessary for a measurement) at which time the ball on the field, should ALREADY be established & SET.
*The same
DESIGNATED Officiating Crew Member, should hold the ball on the ground, where it was set.
*ANYTIME the chains need to be moved, MAKE SURE everyone on the chain crew knows it, and
EVERYONE is on the same page.
*Move the chains to the measurement angle, and reset the Clip on the (same side) of the corresponding 10 yd line, it was originally set on.
*The designated Field Official
(usually the Umpire) should take the front stake and (gently stretch it forward), for the Referee to assess the result.
*The Referee determines whether a 1st Down was achieved and signals 1st Down (and direction when necessary.)
Regardless of Game time, Play time, Day time there is
NO REASON to rush.
