LMAO

No, the rules do not mention anything about "the last link". I've been a HS ref for 14 years and one of the first things I do when I arrive at every game is to check the working order of all equipment used during the game. With a tape measure I make sure the chains are exactly 360 inches from inside pole to pole. The ball MUST touch the leading inside edge of the pole for there to be a first down, PERIOD! The rule books for every level of football are ALL consistent with the distant between the rods and the manner in which that distance is to be interpreted by the referees. In short, the refs blew it and behind closed doors there will be some serious discussions with this crew that work that game. No doubt a memo will go out on Monday morning making sure that every referee understand that there is no such thing as "the last link" mentioned in the rule book.