NFL Plans to Test Optical Tracking for Line-to-Gain Rulings

The National Football League is steadily making strides and changes in order to improve the game and make it as fair for everyone as possible. The latest move? The NFL plans to test optical tracking for line-to-gain rulings during the preseason.

NFL insider, Jonathan Jones, for CBS Sports breaks the news about the NFL’s plans for later this year. Jones reveals,

“The NFL is preparing to test optical tracking for line-to-gain rulings this preseason, with the chance for it to be implemented fully in the 2024 regular season, sources tell NFL on CBS. Chains would be a backup if this is a success.”

Technology has been quite helpful when it comes to sports; especially, football games. Without it, you don’t have instant replay, analytics, better safety equipment; and heck, wouldn’t even have television broadcasts or streaming. Therefore, incorporating more tech elements is not entirely a bad thing.

Just like many utilize calculators in order to ensure accurate measurements. The NFL hopes their optical tracking will help to provide reliable readings and data to give referees correct intel and teams the right amount of gains. This will be very useful in “big” games as well as big moments. Think about close matchups when one team is on third down or even fourth inches. Wouldn’t you want a measurement that conveys accuracy, to see if they truly got a first down or are short?

NFL Plans to Test Optical Tracking for Line-to-Gain Rulings

Truth be told, we don’t mind and we actually like the chains. They give off a certain bit of drama during games. Guys run out onto the field and put the chain at the starting point then pull the chains forward to see what the new spot should be. Taking this whole procession out and moving towards a computer just may not be as fun, or entertaining if you will.

Nevertheless, sources state that the chains will still be hanging out in the shadows if need be. CBS confirms,

“The chain gang won’t exactly become a thing of the past, though. Sources say the chains will still exist on the sideline, but they’ll be used both as a backup for game operations and as a reference point for coaches, players and fans in the stadium.

All game footballs are microchipped and have been for years. But this technology doesn’t employ the chip and instead relies entirely on optical tracking. The system, which was used at MetLife Stadium and Hard Rock Stadium last year, would need to be installed across all 30 NFL stadiums as well as any international stadium where NFL games are played.

If the system works, it would make for a more accurate measuring system that reduces the amount of human error. If the league sees there are problems such as latency issues in the preseason, the move can be tabled until 2025 with the chain crew continuing to do the same job as always.”

Sweet. Fair readings and less human error is always appreciated in sports. Nonetheless, in just a few months we will all get to see how well the system operates and if we like it from a viewer and entertainment standpoint.

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