[APG]

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

APG'er:

With apologies to the late J. Dallas Shirley, I have never (both in college games and H.S. games) used the "not closely guarded signal" for the reason you give: If I am not showing a visible five second count it means I do not have a CGS.

There have been several times both in college game and H.S. games when a HC has questioned me about a CGS and they get this look: , when I tell them my reasoning for not giving the "not closely guarded signal". I just love the look on their faces: .

MTD, Sr.

That's fine, but the benefits of using the not closely guarded signal outweigh the benefits of not using it IMO...

With one signal, I can stop a coach begging for a count because he's perceived me not to be paying attention...one signal tells the coach that I'm paying attention to the criteria needed and that it's not being met. In addition it shows up on tape. Plus if you're in a situation where you have a count in your partner's area (count started in your primary), it's a more visible signal for a partner that you've given up the count and that he can pick up the match up.

To me, provided signals are given in a professional manner and provided it's used at the correct time, it can't hurt to give more information when useful and needed. Of course, this all assumes it's not in conflict with "when in Rome."