Obstruction mechanic

[Dakota]

This topic has been discussed as a side issue within a couple of threads on obstruction. I'd like to take the pulse of the members on how you signal obstruction.

Question 1:
The delayed dead ball signal when obstruction is seen means:
1) I saw a violation and I have more to say once the play concludes, or
2) I saw a violation and the runner is protected as long as my arm is out.

Question 2:
When I drop my arm it means:
1) I have kept the signal visible long enough for everyone to see it, or
2) The runner is no longer protected and is now in jeopardy.

I have always used the mechanic according to both answers 1). My reasoning is that,
a) It is clumsy to be running around the field with a wing flapping, and
b) I can't always tell how far the runner will be protected until the play concludes, and it depends in part on how the defense makes plays for the rest of the play.

What do the rest of you do? Why?

PS with edit: I noticed a small typo in my second #2. "not" should have been "now" -- I hope everyone just read what I meant instead of what I typed!

[Edited by Dakota on Oct 8th, 2003 at 12:51 PM]