Dicker-rod

The dicker-rod (also spelled dickerod) is a device intended to replace the first down chains commonly used to measure 10-yard distances during games of gridiron football.

The device was named for its inventor, George Dicker (1913–1989)[1] of Tustin, California,[2] and received a patent in 1973.

[3] The dicker-rod also aims to improve safety, as a 10-yard length of chain laying along the sideline can be a hazard for players.

[4] The patent provides additional detail about the mechanics of the device; for example, how the marker is held in position on the rod.

[4] The first official use of the dicker-rod was in a 1970 college football contest between UC Santa Barbara and Cal State Long Beach.