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Expert: - 1/9/2007


Question
Who are the persons working the chains during games?  How would one go about getting more information on how those individuals are chosen?  Do they work for the school or conference?  Are they part of the crew that officiates the game? I'm certain I would like to do that sometimes.  Who would I contact to get more information?
Thanks

Answer
Ernest,
Thank you for your question. The home team provides the chains and chain crew.
1. The chain crews in High School games are usually anyone the schools can get, parents, etc.  In college they are persons who the home team has assigned.  Many are high school or former officials.  Most of the Bowl games use NCAA officials to work the chains or they may use employees from the host sponsor.
2. They work for the school.
3.  Technically a chain crew is part of the officiating crew although they are not assigned by or under the supervision of the conference they are deemed to be an ancillary part of the crew under the direct control of the Head Linesman.
4.  You should contact the athletic director at the school where you are interested in working chains for and inquire if they would bring you on as a member of the chain crew. Also you can contact the Stadium management and ask the same thing.  You might not get far with them but they should be able to tell you the name of the person responsible for assigning the chain crew.

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