When I talk to fellow NFL fans about the field goal, one of the questions that I’m always asked is ‘how do they measure the distance for field goals in the NFL?’. Well, first of all, it’s important to understand that field goal distance depends on the yard line. Usually, a field goal is 35 yards from the goal posts but if teams are deep in their own territory, it may be much longer. It can be from as close as 13 yards out to as far back as 60 yards.
Mostly, the referees will mark the exact spot of the ball before the field goal is attempted. This spot is where all the distances and measurements will be taken from. As you might expect, the measurement is incredibly specific – down to fractions of an inch. For that reason, officials use a special device called a line-to-gain pole. This is a seven-foot pole with laser-like beam which is used to measure the exact spot of the ball and the distance from the goalposts.
Apart from offering a precise measurement, the pole helps officials keep control of the situation because the pole is used to help the defenders set up the line and the offensive players to form a wall to block the field goal attempt. Furthermore, when defenders cross the goal line, the pole prevents them from running into the kicker’s leg. Last but not least, the laser-like beam is very helpful for the judges to spot any irregularities in the field.
When I think about this incredible device, I’m impressed by its ability to measure such a small distance so precisely. It’s even more impressive when I think about the training that officials have to go through in order to use the pole correctly. But even with the correct training, officials rarely get the exact measurement every time and that’s why video technology has been introduced at every game to double-check measurements, ensuring accuracy in all field goal attempts.
Talking about video technology, a replay official takes a look at every field goal from several angles. This allows the official to determine the exact spot of the ball, precisely measure the distance, and ensure that the player crossed the goal line to kick the attempt. In addition, the replay official also looks at any defensive fouls that may have occurred during the play as well as the correct score that should be given to the kicker.
If the replay official finds that the ball was placed correctly and that the player crossed the goal line before attempting the kick, then he/she will give the correct score and the team will get the points that they deserve. In a way, the replay official acts as the referee’s second opinion and is pivotal in determining the outcome of the game.
Just like the pole, the replay official has become an irreplaceable part of the NFL’s field goal attempt measure and score system. They help keep the playing field level, ensuring that the correct measurements and scores are given despite the incredible distances that the kickers are tasked with. From 13 yards out to 60 yards back, NFL teams can rest assured that they will get the points they deserve.