1. Home
  2. Sports
  3. Football

About Football Glossary - Head Linesman

By James Alder, About.com

Definition: The head linesman is the official that sets up straddling the line of scrimmage on the sideline designated by the referee. His duties include:

• Watch for line of scrimmage violations like offsides and encroachment
• Rule on all out-of-bounds plays on his side of the field
• Keep tabs on the chain crew
• Mark the chain to a yard marker on the field as a reference point for a measurement on the field
• Mark a players forward progress after a play is whistled dead
• Keep track of all eligible receivers
• Watch for illegal motion, illegal shifts, illegal use of hands, illegal men downfield

Suggested Reading

Explore Football

About.com Special Features

Learn to Pitch

Strike out the competition with these step-by-step pictorials. More >

Introduction to Pilates

Learning Pilates fundamentals can help you get the most out of your exercise regime. More >

  1. Home
  2. Sports
  3. Football

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.