I can't blow my whistle without a hand going up or a held ball signal. It's such a habit that sometimes a heavy sigh makes me want to put my hand in the air.
It takes a real thinker to go between prescribed mechanics and a method that is more "little kid" friendly. It appears to me he has some bad habits and blamed it on the level he was calling.
I'm for using the appropriate mechanics in your area for all levels.