Does bringing the chains on the field result in a more accurate decision in close first down situations?

Question

... or is it just ceremonial? It seems like any accuracy that would be gained measuring the football relative to the downfield flag would be lost because the chain crew has to eyeball the proper location of the upfield flag.

Answer 1

The chain crew doesn't eyeball it - As a sideline official with the sticks, you have a chain that you mark to a certain yard line before running in the sticks, so you know where to line them up when you come in, and when you go back to the sideline.

I officiate high school games, and I can tell you that it's not just guesswork.

Answer 2

It doesn't get any more accurate than that. The official picks up the chain at a specific point on the yard line and puts it down at the same place in line with the football. It they are off, it can't be by more than an inch or so.