What is the purpose of the 10 yard "sticks in American Football?

Question

I know its to see if its a first down but I can't understand why it is necessary, If a play starts on a teams own 20 yard line, and at the end of the 3/4 downs (going to punt on 4th, or went for it on 4th), it is not on the 30 yard line, then what is the purpose of the "Sticks/markers" you can clearly see that the ball hasn't reached the 30 yard line.

Any help with this?

Answer 1

It's quite a distance from the hash-marks and crown of the field to the sidelines. If a play ends up close to the line to gain, the sticks are used to measure EXACTLY ten yards to aid the officials in making sure neither team is screwed by a bad spot.

Answer 2

It is for when they are not on a yard line. If a team starts on the 22 3/4 yard line, it is easier to have a stick exactly where the ball is. Then the chain that is 10 yards goes exactly to the 32 3/4 yard line. Then, after 3 plays, it is obvious where the first down is, rather then the refs trying to remember exactly where the ball was in between the 22 and 23 yard lines.

Answer 3

Because it is exactly 10 ten yards that makes the difference. they don't round it off to the nearest yard when they spot the ball so the sticks with the chain is used to measure it exactly.

Answer 4

It's a physical measuring device to help the officials when the plays are close and they need to see whether or not the ball has made it.

It's also a visual reference for both teams so that EVERYONE knows where the accepted point is for a first down.

It means there are no questions about "Where did this drive start again?" or "We made it!" "No you didn't!" arguments.

Answer 5

It's not always clear to the officials to see if it is a first down or not. Sometimes it's inches away so they use the "sticks" to measure for better accuracy.

Answer 6

it is a game of inches, supose the ball is on the 20, and at the end of the play its almost on the thirty. its used to measure.