NFL: Referees are forbidden to measure cards

In the NFL, a new interpretation of the rules came after a curious incident. In future, the referees will no longer be able to use a piece of map to measure the distance to the new First Down.

The incident occurred during the match between the Raiders and the Cowboys, when the referees were unable to measure an important first down with a balanced score in the fourth quarter. In order to determine whether the placement was sufficient for a new first down, the referee took his note card.

At the end of the drive, the cowboys scored a field goal which helped them to win 20:17. A representative of the NFL explained that the use of the card was in accordance with the rules, even if this was “unusual”. From now on, this possibility is no longer available to the referees.