Is there a simple, lay terms explanation of how the NFL is able to get those scrimmage and first-down stripes?

Question

on the field for television without obscuring players, ref, etc.?

Answer 1

It's not the NFL, but the broadcast networks that put those lines on the field. They use the power of computers and 'blue screen' technology.

Instead of using a blue background, they use the color of the field as their background color. That's why the line doesn't cover up players and officials on the field.

Answer 2

computer technology digitizes the field and then the lines are placed on the digital image of the field as they braodcast the game- the lines are not actually on the field itself

Answer 3

Elves.
Haven't you seen them on the sidelines?
4 per game
2 on mini riding tractors with 6 inch wide hopper chutes that lay down the lines....one for scrimmage, one for 1st down.
2 on mini tractors with shop vacs to remove the old stripes.

Answer 4

the tv networks paint it on there with computers, i think they put the video in "layers" so the field is in the back, then the line, and then the moving objects like players. i don't actually know, but it doesn't always work perfectly

Answer 5

yes

Answer 6

Must be, they do it constantly.

Answer 7

computer