The NFL is progressing towards phasing out traditional chain crews in favor of advanced technology for measuring the line to gain.
Gary Brantley, an executive with the NFL, informed the Associated Press that the league will be trialing Sony’s Hawk-Eye technology in several preseason games. Full adoption of the system is likely not to occur until next season, although earlier implementation is possible.
“We are currently in the installation phase across all our stadiums, focusing on getting them calibrated and updated,” stated Brantley, who serves as the NFL’s senior vice-president and chief information officer. “Our goal is to ensure that this system achieves maximum accuracy and is harmonized across our various stadiums, each with unique dimensions and varying ages. We are meticulously going through the installation process, implementing the necessary infrastructure and ensuring that the cameras are set up correctly.”
Sony, appointed as the NFL’s official technology partner on Wednesday, is broadening its sports technology capabilities via Hawk-Eye Innovations to enhance officiating and develop on-field and sideline technologies, which includes an innovative coach’s sideline headset set to launch in 2025.
The Hawk-Eye tracking system for measuring the line to gain employs cameras installed in stadiums to monitor players, officials, and the ball. This optimal tracking system alerts officials immediately if a first down is achieved after the ball has been placed manually.
“We’re saving a significant amount of time, approximately 40 seconds per instance, which makes the game that much more engaging,” remarked Neal Manowitz, Sony’s president and chief operations officer. “Moreover, the system boasts an accuracy of less than half an inch, which is remarkably precise. We hope fans appreciate this objective approach, ideally splitting their opinions on plays evenly.”
Historically, the NFL has relied on two vibrant orange markers and a chain to determine first downs, a practice that has led to numerous contentious situations. This method will still be maintained as a backup.
In addition to the new line-to-gain measurement technology and updated headsets for coach communications, Sony is collaborating with the NFL to improve sideline photography, broadcast camera systems, production quality, and more.
