While I'm a big fan of using HS mechanics
, my partner and I discussed this on the way to our game yesterday. In the end we decided to try it the NFHS way, but I have reservations. It seems horribly awkward and is yet another attempt to take officials away from having to deal with coaches in a situation that requires game management skills. I have no problems walking over to a coach, looking him in the eye, and putting up a hand indicating five fouls. Just part of the job.
Of course, after working some women's college mechanics, I'm also a big fan of going tableside.
Maybe I'm being insensitive to younger officials -- I work three sports and my first basketball season was the first year of the 3-pt-line in HS (anyone remember the year?) so if I can't talk to coaches by now I guess I should've packed it in.
Rich