Device and Method for measuring the First Down in Football

Abstract

A device and method for measuring the First Down in football that consists of counting to the third five-yard demarcation line hence from the tip of the football as it lies on the football field in the direction of the defending team's goal line. The single pole First Down yard-marker is placed on the sideline at the spot of the third five-yard demarcation line and is brightly colored so that it is plain to see for both players and fans alike. Thus, the distance of the football to the first subsequent five-yard demarcation line will determine if the next First Down is at a distance of anywhere from ten to fifteen yards. On field Measurements will not be needed because it will be obvious if the football is over the third five-yard demarcation line since this line stretches over the entire width of the playing field.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for measuring the First Down in football which consists of indicating the next First Down location as existing directly on the third five-yard demarcation line hence from the current position of the forward tip of the football, in the direction of the defending team's goal line, at the end of a play in which the result was a new First Down.  
     
     
         2 . A device for indicating the next First Down which consists of a single vertical pole with a brightly colored dressing which can be easily seen by both players and fans alike.