Where do the chain and downs box go on the field?
Rule- Canada
- Football Canada
- Tackle football
- Chain crew
- Game day
- 2026-27
- Volunteers
- The downs box and distance chain must be positioned out of bounds.
- The Downs Box Official places the downs box at the point where the ball is to be scrimmaged.
- The two Yardstick Officials place the distance chain as directed by the Down Judge.
- The Down Judge takes up a position on the line of scrimmage, a suitable distance in from the sideline, on the same side of the field as the distance chain and downs box. The Down Judge supervises the placement of the chain and downs box under the direction of the Referee, and works the same side as the Side Judge.
- The field is marked every 5 yards (metres) across the field, with hash marks 24 yards (22 metres) from each sideline, and the 35 and 45 yard (30 and 40 metre) lines are of double thickness.
Source: Canadian Amateur Rule Book for Tackle Football 2026-2027, Rule 1 Section 1, and Rule 2 Sections 7, 9 and 10.
Added 25 Oct 2026