[JRutledge]

I have learned to not worry anymore about what mechanics officials use. I want officials that are going to call the game properly, not sweat a mechanic that communicates something. I work college ball and I rarely use the "no closely guarded" signal at all. I do wish I had the signal this past week on a play where the defender for some reason was scared to get close the ball handler, but wanted a 5 second count (it was a HS game) at that same time. The mechanic in my opinion serves a purposed and can be used properly. I think the NF is too uptight about adopting things from the higher levels and does not want to admit a signal or lack of signal would be useful. Signals are used to communicate to everyone in the stands, TV or benches what we are doing or sometimes what we are looking at. Why not use a tool that will help the understanding process?

Peace