Quote:
Originally Posted by ilyazhito
As you note, hopping, jumping, and flailing arms are not approved mechanics in NFHS basketball. These are also not approved at any other level. Good basketball officials do not show off with their signals, but they might make more emphatic signals in close situations...
Baseball umpires follow a similar approach...to make the participants and viewers believe them.
This is why basketball (and baseball) use emphatic signals, but showing off and using unapproved signals are frowned upon in these sports by the officiating community.
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I submit to you that signals outside of the NFHS/NCAA/other rule sets (for emphasis or to sell the call) is the very definition of showing off.
The only logical reason for using mechanics outside the manual is an effort to get unsporting coaches or spectators to not complain as much. I think that is a failure on the part of the larger officiating community.
If everyone would use only the mechanics in the manual, the manual mechanics would be seen/believed by coaches and spectators as the firm, unwavering decision of the official. There would be no need to make a more emphatic signal to "sell" a call. The call would be the call.
When many (most) deem it necessary to hop, jump, or flail when making a close call, it undermines every official that is trying to keep with the mechanics in the manual.