Football question..what's the point of the marker things refs throw after a change of possession?

[Syringer]

At the start of a punt return or INT return, a ref throws those blue things near where the ball is caught. What are the point of those? Obviously they're not completely accurate and are always off by a bit, so they can't be used as an actual ruling of field position or anything..so what is the point?

 

[fs5]

what happened to the troll title? I rather liked it.

 

[SVT Cobra]

I am curious about the OP's question as well

 

[meltdown75]

it is probably to either signify possession of the receiving team, or rather the ball being touched by the receiving team. i am not entirely sure though.

edit:

from another site:

The officials throw a small beanbag at the spot of where the ball was caught by the returner to mark that spot in the event that there might be a penalty on the play that would have to be marked off from the spot of the catch.

 

[hdeck]

if there is a penalty, its marked off where the ball was caught/intercepted.

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

They are generally used to mark approximate position for the statisticians.

 

[Stojakapimp]

Whenever a member of the kicking team touches a punt or place kick beyond the line of scrimmage before a member of a receiving team touches the ball, a bean bag is thrown by the covering official, indicating a spot of illegal touching. This spot is an insurance policy for the receivers and unless they foul and the penalty is accepted, they may take the ball at the spot of illegal touching or at the spot where the play ends, whichever is most advantageous for the receiving team. So, finally, in answer to your question, the receiving team can pick up and advance the ball after it has been illegally touched, and even if they fumble and the kickers recover, the receivers get the ball at the bean bag spot.