What do the yardstick officials do?

The two Yardstick Officials hold the rods of the distance chain and place it as directed by the Down Judge, out of bounds. They move the distance chain only on signal from the Referee and the Down Judge, and when a measure is needed the Yardstick Official brings the distance chain to the Referee.

If a third Yardstick Official is used, that person holds a single marker rod on the sideline opposite the 10 yard (10 metre) objective line. This marker is not used to determine whether a first down has been gained. Under the direction of the Referee, penalties may be recorded.

Source: Canadian Amateur Rule Book for Tackle Football 2026-2027, Rule 2, Section 10, Articles 1, 3 and 4, Rule 2 Section 7 Article 4(d), and Case Book comment 3-4-1.