Football Yard Markers

Football yard markers help referees and coaches keep track of the number of yards a player has gained on a play. They are also a great tool for helping players stay on their assigned hash mark when running the ball downfield. In addition, they can be used to mark the end zone where touchdowns, two-point conversions and safeties occur. These yard markers are highly visible and made of a durable vinyl material that will not break under pressure. They are also sand weighted to stand up against wind and provide stability during game action. For increased visibility, these yard markers are available in a wide variety of colors and can be custom printed for additional cost.

The yard lines on an American football field are white vertical lines that run the width of the field in 10-yard increments and are numbered. In the NFL and major college football, each number is followed by an arrow that points towards the nearest end zone. This arrow was introduced in the late 1970s, as it allows players and referees to quickly locate the nearest end zone even when they do not have a full view of the field.

There is a set of hash marks next to each sideline, with two more sets marked further into the center of the field. The location of these marks varies between the NFL and college level, as does the distance between the two sets of central hash marks. In general, the hash marks closer to one goal line belong to the team defending that end zone; further away, the hash marks belong to the team defending the opposite goal line.

Besides the yard lines, a football field also has a limit line that designates a team area where substitutes, trainers and other coaching personnel may assemble. A coaching line is a solid white line six feet back from the limit line and between the 25-yard lines that is distinctly marked for the use of coaches (Rule 9-1-5).

On some American football fields, there are also orange weighted pylons located at each corner of the end zones. These are where touchdowns, two-point conversions, safeties and touchbacks are scored. These pylons can be custom painted to feature team or league logos, as long as they do not interfere with mandatory field markings.

Many professional and collegiate football fields feature a large American flag and/or the logos of sponsoring companies or agencies on the 50-yard line. Other decorative markings are sometimes found on the field, including a special hash mark that denotes the spot where the team will try to kick a two-point conversion after scoring a touchdown at the end of the half. During the season, these markers often become dirty and need to be repainted regularly.