[M&M Guy]

Originally posted by JRutledge
Have you ever seen a D1 officials use that signal on TV? Have you ever seen an NBA official use that signal on TV? That should tell you everything you need to know right there. If a veteran officials is stupid enough to use a signal based solely on what a new officials does, that veteran should probably not be there.

Now, you might be on to something there. Perhaps some of these signals evolved from veteren officials who used them. And, since most of us like to emulate our heroes, other officials started using those same signals, techniques, and mannerisms. And, you're certainly right - if I start using a new signal taught to me by a new official: please have the IHSA yank my certification immediately.

We are not robots and we will never become robots. The signals are there as a starting point and as people learn more about this hobby, they incorporate many things into their game they see fit. If you want to stick directly with the book, you are not going to make me upset or anyone upset for that matter.

If I start wandering around the court saying, "Danger! Danger, Will Robinson!", the same thing applies: yank my certification.

Seriously, it's still interesting to me to find that fine line. I guess I had been taught the rules and mechanics are not a "starting point", but the entire road map. Sure, we can take a detour every now and then, but how often do we take detours before we're off course? Maybe it's an individual thing. Some people can get away with more detours because they're stronger in other areas. In my feeble mind (and I'm not even French), I need to stay on the correct signal road as much as possible, because I'm not sure I'm a complete enough official to get away with too many detours. I would think it would be a good idea to teach the less-experienced officials to stay as close to the path as possible, until they're knowledgable enough to stray, so to speak.