NFL to potentially use optical tracking system to measure 1st Downs for 2024

[SHOWTIME]

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 @NFLonCBS. Chains would be a backup if this is a success https://t.co/F4K2f28do1

— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) May 21, 2024

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.

[DaFace]

Originally Posted by Hog Rider

Ball not always pointy north and southy. And ball not knowy when carrier is down by contact.

I hadn't thought about that one. You'd theoretically need an entire ring of sensors plus one in each point. Again, you could probably solve for that, but the more complex you make it, the more likely it'll be screwy at times.

[C-Mac]

Originally Posted by DaFace

I hadn't thought about that one. You'd theoretically need an entire ring of sensors plus one in each point. Again, you could probably solve for that, but the more complex you make it, the more likely it'll be screwy at times.

Good points, maybe they can do a virtual perimeter reading/marking based on dimensions of the ball that could be made from single sensor.

[Hammock Parties]

The Chiefs got screwed so many times on this last year.

[St. Patty's Fire]

Originally Posted by Otter

Not sure if I like this or not. Kinda takes the humanity out of the game.

you say this now but when we get ****ed out of a first down im sure you’ll be saying the linemen should kill themselve

[Balto]

Originally Posted by C-Mac

Good points, maybe they can do a virtual perimeter reading/marking based on dimensions of the ball that could be made from single sensor.

Maybe put a thin layer that acts as a sensor around the bladder of the football under the leather?

[lcarus]

I've been hoping for some kind of tracking system for a long time. We could've lost the Super Bowl due to a bad spot. Fortunately Mahomes is so badass he can overcome blind (or crooked) officiating.

[Balto]

Hmmm I did find this "magnetic transmitter" football. Its from about 10 years ago and looks to be funded by Disney? Guessing tech is further along now.

https://www.vox.com/2014/9/4/6101169...rst-down-chain








I would have thought that putting a microchip on a football would throw off everything BUT the article says that NFL footballs already have small weights in them to help with the balance and that the microchips would take the place of those? Had no idea

Does this affect the ball?
One concern might be that putting a magnetic transmitter in a football would alter its weight or balance. But when it comes to weight, a football is surprisingly forgiving.

"What most people don't realize is that the footballs are handmade, so there's quite a bit of variation from one ball to another — about an ounce of difference," Ricketts says. "So we designed our transmitter to be less than that natural variation." (There's less tolerance for variation in air pressure, as the Deflate-gate scandal has taught us.)

Additionally, footballs are naturally lopsided because of the laces, so manufacturers already need to put a small weight on the side opposite them to balance things out. That provides a natural spot for the transmitter.

[ghak99]

If you know where the two chipped points of the ball are within the grid, figuring out where the sides are is just a simple math equation. Constantly waiting on the refs to match the "knee down" to the timestamp isn't going to be fun.

That 2" matters all the time, but we're seeing runs get spotted half a yard off and I cringe every time I see a spotter run down the sideline on a kick out of bounds when you can tell he looked like he just stopped and called it good enough. A computer could spit out the spot based on the kick location and landing impact a hell of a lot faster and more accurately.

Either way, we have PMII, Butker, and Punt God moving the ball around for us so we can probably leave petty arguments over mere inches on the field up to the rest of the peasants in the league.

[ThyKingdomCome15]

Does this make the game better? That is the question.

[MarkDavis'Haircut]

The UFL does this.

[BigRedChief]

Originally Posted by Hog Rider

Now we can trust computer software in the age of gambling instead of your lying eyes and HD cameras.

I hope they figure it out, but sounds like a fail to me. I can see it in specific situations, but don't feel it will be as accurate as a baseball strike zone.

you have a fiber optic net below the field. The ball has multiple chips in it. I think that has already been done without any complaints. How can it be inaccurate?

It’ll be accurate to within millimeter's. A human being sometimes 20 yards away will be more accurate than that?

[In58men]

Originally Posted by Hammock Parties

The Chiefs got screwed so many times on this last year.

Quit crying, they used an index card on the Raiders.

[ChiefsFanatic]

Originally Posted by DaFace

I wish there were more details on exactly what this system does. It sounds to me like it's just something they'd use for first-down MEASUREMENTS rather than something that would help them SPOT the ball. The latter is the bigger issue, so I'm skeptical this will change much aside from cutting down the time to have the chain gang run out there once or twice a game.

Yeah, I think all this would eliminate is the chain gang, because unless the chip is tied to the video time stamp, I don't think they could use it any other way.

A system like this is looking at the ball, and would never be able to tell when a ball carrier is actually down. But, if it was tied to the clock, replay could tell the exact time the runner was down, and check the location at that exact time stamp. Right?

[RedinTexas]

No chance this system gets used without some hiccups. There will be some mind-blowing ****ups that the NFL has to answer for, but it's true of every innovation they try to install. Prepare yourself to be outraged.

[Balto]

Maybe just use for goal line for now.