When it comes to football games, there are a ton of different markings and items on the field that ensure it runs smoothly. One of the most important of these is the pylons.
So, what is a pylon in football?
A pylon is a small orange foam marker located at the end zone corners. It serves as an out-of-bounds marker and helps determine touchdown rulings. Players can touch the pylon with the football to score a touchdown since it is considered crossing the goal line with the ball.
Since players only need to touch the pylon with the ball to be considered a touchdown, you’ll often see players diving for the corner of end zone if the goalline is well-defended.
Throughout the rest of this article, we’ll go into more detail on pylons, what pylon technology is, and much more – so keep reading!
What Is a Football Pylon?
A pylon is an essential piece of equipment used in football to mark the boundaries of the end zone. Typically, these pylons are bright orange markers placed at each of the four corners of both end zones on the field.
Pylons are designed to offer better visibility for both the players and referees and are often covered with padding to prevent injuries if players collide with them. The primary purpose of a football pylon is to assist officials in determining whether a player has successfully scored a touchdown.
As the pylons are placed in an out-of-bounds area at the corners of the end zones, they serve as spot markers that help officials decide if a player has crossed the goal line with the ball, particularly when officiating from a distance.
Additionally, football pylons also contribute to the overall aesthetics of the field, helping to create a more organized and professional appearance. The bright orange color of the pylons ensures that they stand out against the green turf and white yard lines, making it easier for everyone involved in the game to identify the end zone boundaries.
Pylons are an essential part of the game, providing valuable assistance to both players and officials in determining scoring plays.
By marking the corners of the end zones clearly and effectively, these unassuming orange markers play a crucial role in the accurate officiating and smooth running of football games at all levels of play.
How Many Football Pylons Are on the Field?
There are eight football pylons on the field, with four being placed at each end zone. These pylons are positioned at the corners, with one pylon at the intersection of the goal line and the sideline on each side.
The placement of these pylons is crucial, as they need to be just out of bounds along the sideline, in line with the goal line, to accurately mark the end zone’s limits.
The fluorescent color of the pylon is intentional, ensuring maximum visibility for players, officials, and fans. This allows everyone involved in the game to quickly determine if the ball, or a player carrying the ball, has successfully crossed the goal line inside the pylon, resulting in a touchdown.
Where Are NFL Pylons Located?
In the NFL, pylons are placed at each of the four corners of both end zones to accurately mark the boundaries. These bright orange, rectangular markers are situated in an area considered out-of-bounds, just outside the sidelines and adjacent to the goal lines.
By placing the pylons at these specific locations, officials can determine if a player has crossed the goal line with the ball. This is especially helpful when observing from a distance and for reviewing scoring plays using video footage.
In addition to their primary role of marking the corners of the end zones, pylons also assist players in positioning themselves on the field. With the pylons clearly visible, players can easily navigate the field and aim for the end zones to score touchdowns.
Furthermore, the pylons play a role in determining if a punt has landed effectively in the corner, pinning the opposing team deep into their own territory.
Can You Touch a Football Pylon During a Game?
Players may interact with pylons in certain situations. The primary purpose of the pylons is to mark the corners of the end zones and to help determine whether a player has scored a touchdown.
Touching the pylon with the football is considered in bounds, and it counts as a touchdown so long as the ball crosses the plane of the pylon. However, simply touching the pylon with the player’s body does not constitute a touchdown if the ball does not cross the plane of the goal line.
In scenarios where a player is carrying the ball and makes contact with the pylon, the outcome can vary. If the ball is under control and crosses the plane of the pylon before the player steps out of bounds, a touchdown is awarded.
Conversely, if the player steps out of bounds before the ball crosses the plane of the pylon, the ball is considered dead at the point where the player went out of bounds.
It is also important to consider the positioning of the pylons on the field. Pylons are typically placed inside the field of play, at the intersections of the goal lines and sidelines.
This means that, in some cases, contact with the pylon may be interpreted as being in-bounds or out of bounds, depending on the specific circumstances of the play.
What Is Pylon Technology?
Pylon cameras are devices placed within the orange pylons situated at the corners of the end zones, capturing high-quality footage of the game. These cameras provide multiple angles of key events like touchdown plays, helping referees make well-informed decisions.
How Good Are the Pylon Cameras?
The quality of pylon cameras has improved continuously over the years as technology advances. They are designed to function seamlessly in various environmental conditions, providing clear images with minimal or no distortion.
Pylon cameras often use high-definition (HD) lenses and are equipped with the ability to record slow-motion footage. This ensures that even the smallest details, like a player’s foot touching the sideline, are captured and closely analyzed.
Pylon technology plays a crucial role in maintaining the accuracy and fairness of the game. By enabling more precise views of disputed touchdown calls and other close plays, it contributes to the impartiality of the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Touching the Pylon a Touchdown?
Touching the pylon with the football, while remaining inbounds, is considered a touchdown. This is because the pylon is treated as an extension of the goal line, providing a clear boundary for officials to determine touchdowns from various angles and distances.
Can You Score a Touchdown Outside of the Pylon?
Scoring a touchdown outside of the pylon is not possible, as the pylons mark the boundary of the end zone. Touching the ground beyond the pylon signifies that the player and the ball are out-of-bounds, which means that no touchdown can be awarded in such situations.
Why Does the Pylon Count as a Touchdown?
When the ball breaks the plane of the goal line by touching the pylon, it signifies that the ball has entered the end zone, warranting a touchdown. This rule helps officials determine touchdowns more accurately and consistently, as they can use the pylons as reference points.