[Adam]

The held ball!!!! Don't forget the held ball!!!!
My theory, developing this year. Girls grab the ball with the goal being to get a whistle for a held ball. That's why they tend to grab the ball and look at the ref.
Boys grab the ball with the goal being to get the ball. That's why they generally don't look happy when the whistle blows.

Disclaimer: There are exceptions to the above referenced generalities.