Quote:
Originally Posted by JRutledge
... we have decided should take the call (like the lead in the paint).
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My pregame always includes (even if I'm the umpire) a reminder to not give a preliminary signal if we have double fists. We always let the lead take the call, give the preliminary, go to the reporting area, and report the foul.
A double whistle with one open hand and one fist means that we get together to figure out what happened first with language such as, "I saw your foul but he traveled before the foul", or, "I saw your travel but he traveled because he got fouled". Same thing involving one held ball signal, and one "other". And don't believe for a second that some coaches aren't smart enough, and aren't observant enough, to question two different hand signals on a double whistle. They're not as dumb as they look. Same thing with two different preliminary signals on a double whistle, double fist. Some coaches, maybe not all coaches, but some coaches will notice.
Of course the "double fist hold the preliminary" scenario assumes that we heard each other's whistle and/or observed the other's fists. In a really loud gym, with several players between my partner and me, and with both of us trying to sell a block call, or charge call, well, Robert Burns said it best, "The best laid plans of mice and men go oft awry".