[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

The Spread Arms Mechanic is the dumbest mechanic/signal in all of sports.

When I first learned the profession of officiating basketball (in the ancient days), the first thing I was taught is that you have nothing until you have something.

If an official is waving his arm in a counting manner it means that he does have a Closely Guarded Situation; if he is NOT waving his arm in a counting manner it means that he does NOT have a Closely Guarded Situation.

I have not ever used the signal in all of my years as a college and high school official. I remember the first year the the NCAA Men's/Women's Committee adopted the mechanic. I was officaiting a women's game and a HC wanted a Five Second call and during a TO wanted to know why I didn't spread my arms to show I didn't have a CGS. I told him that I visually count when I have CGS. If I don't have a CGS I won't be spreading my arms because I don't need to be visually counting. He gave me the deer caught in the headlights look and then the light bulb went on in his head (I don;t know who turned it on because nobody was home, LOL), and the replied that he understood what I was saying, which was as scarey thought.

MTD, Sr.