Quote:
Originally posted by SouthGARef
I've found myself picking up on a few mechanics that aren't prescribed NFHS mechanics. The reasoning for this is that I spent some time as an official scorer for some games where NCAA officials would work, and I found their signals to be a lot more useful than NFHS mechanics.
Is the NFHS evaluator going to like it? Maybe not. Do I care? Not really. I've got a good amount of friends that do state tournaments, and NCAA ball. They've all said that the important thing is positioning and game management. Using only prescribed signals doesn't give you any bonus points.
I think the official's manual serves simply as a tool. Once you know that the C is supposed to position himself at the FT line extended, you can break it. It's important to know the rules before you break them. I feel comfortable as C closer to the top of the key extended. Given the choice of being in the proper position per the book, and being in the place where I feel comfortable and where I have the best angle--I'd take the latter. Too often we get so concerned about where the book tells us to go and what the book tells us to do, we forget our first duty--to call the game fairly.
Also, the five prescribed signals are nice... but we all know using common sense not everything is a push/block/ill. use of hands/reach/player control. I think it helps communicate with the coaches when we use the signal--beyond reason--that the player did.
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I think the problem that we have is picking up bad mechanics. When some people do CYO or Rec League games they tend to slack off and use shortcuts. If you have been watching D1 Officials, you may notice that they have slacked off on some mechanics. You can bet your bottom dollar however, that on the way up thier mechanics were superlative.
As far as the NFHS Evaluator not liking your mechanics (and you not caring), I think you are failing to think about your partner. Prescribed mechanics and signals are there to ensure proper communication between officials, coaches, players and fans. Unauthorized signals may lend to confusion. If you are using an unauthorized signal to better communicate with a coach, fine. I too have ocassionaly extended an elbow to address what the exact violation was. The problem comes when all of your signals are not the approved signals. Some officials use signals that draw attention to themselves.
As far as the positioning on the court is concerned, I believe the book serves as a guide to ensure proper coverage. There is nothing in the book that says you shouldn't move to maintain a good angle. Do you prescribe to the primary coverage areas designated in the book or do you have your own take on that? I'm not trying to be funny. Only bringing out a point in how far do we sway from the prescribed methods!