Chain-gang etiquette??

[Titan32]

12 minutes ago, HHPatriots said:

Sometimes the ref crew is the problem.  In a GS/HH not too long ago in the pre game meeting with the refs I told the white hat, "this offense moves quick, we watch you before we move, so don't forget to signal first down to us."  His response was that it didn't matter because they can't move any faster than him.  

But, you aren't wrong.  There are some crews that appear to have been doing this as long as they have had the program.  This is why you should run 2 clips.

I'll never forget the year were there and the ref stood over the ball until the defense and chains were ready....maybe this was the same year.  I couldn't belive what I was seeing.

[HHPatriots]

29 minutes ago, Titan32 said:

I'll never forget the year were there and the ref stood over the ball until the defense and chains were ready....maybe this was the same year.  I couldn't belive what I was seeing.

Not sure, but I can tell you that we move as fast as they signal us.  How long ago was that?  I have the conversation with the refs every time we host GS.  We move when we are told. 

[tango]

2 hours ago, HHPatriots said:

Well, I'll say that my guy was just as much at fault, so there is that.....

Maybe so, but I don't have much tolerance for our people who do that crap. 

[coachkj]

My favorite away chain crew was Cardinal Ritter.  The dressed up like pirates and many other things I'm sure.  It was hilarious.  I'm guessing the years were (around) 2002-2012.    

[Sparty]

On 9/22/2026 at 12:01 PM, Titan32 said:

Oh, and on a related topic.  Much like our politcal leaders, there needs to be an age limit....or test...or licencing or something.  When the crew is so old and decrepit that they can't keep up with the pace of the game.  Unfortunately, it is time to hang it up.

Had a game years ago.  Box guy was, uh, out of shape.  I overheard the HL ask if the chain gang wanted to switch in case one of the offenses wants to go hurry up.  He said we don’t go hurry up.  HL said the other team may. Boom. Right out of the gate, opposing team goes hurry up.  Thought the box guy was going to pass out.  I saw the HL try and work with them a couple of drives.  HL must’ve relayed this to the WH.  Next thing seen was on long plays, the HL bagged the line to gain and the game ran much smoother.  The chain guy looked like someone stole his GF.  LOL

[Sparty]

Saw another game where there is only one set of stands.  The chain crew is obviously working the opposition sideline where there are train tracks near by. We see one of the chain crew go over to the brush and relieve himself.  The HL blew the whistle abruptly between plays (looked like he was heading to WH) and the next thing you know, the “reliever” was relieved of their duties and escorted out of the stadium to a thunderous round of applause and laughter.  Many know what stadium I am talking about.  Right by the lake.  A lot of hole in the walls near the stadium.  My guess was he rolled out of one 5 minutes before kickoff and an hour after their shift at BP.  

[Titan32]

On 9/22/2026 at 1:24 PM, HHPatriots said:

Not sure, but I can tell you that we move as fast as they signal us.  How long ago was that?  I have the conversation with the refs every time we host GS.  We move when we are told. 

You guys do a good job...it wasn't your fault.  There were a few years there probably between 2012 and 2019 where there some really really bad officiating over there.