Bird Dog?
 

Every now and again I find myself, in certain situations, using the ole "bird dog" technique to point out certain fouls. I know some officials are "down" on this technique.

Personally, I don't see anything wrong with it.

I'm noticing it quite a bit in the tournament.

Any thoughts?

I only do it if there's a question about which player committed the foul. Of course, I could make them wait until I report who the foul is on, but sometimes I'll inform them right away.

I've no problem if there's several players in the area.

I use it any time there is possible confusion which who committed the foul. If it is a clear foul, no reason to use it. I am lucky if I use it once or twice every few games honestly.

Peace

At my first camp, there was a scramble for a loose ball and I used a bird dog when calling a foul on one of the players.

At the next time out, the evaluator made it rather clear that I shouldn't have done that.

During my crew's next break between games, I got to thinking. If I give a good preliminary call/signal at the spot ("White 25, push. Blue ball on the side."), that clearly communicates who committed the foul and what happens next without the need for a bird dog. So, that's what I do now instead.

As always, check your local listings, YMMV, etc.

It does seem to be making a little bit of a comeback, doesn't it?

I don't think we're going back to the 1980s anytime soon, but apparently the bird-dog has lost a little bit of its taboo status lately.

Sometimes I think they are pointing at who GOT fouled, not who fouled -- so they get the right shooter.

Agreed.

What I'm noticing A LOT more in the tourney is pointing across the body for OOB violations. It's insane (to me, at least) how often it's happening, and with so many different officials.

And it's usually situations when there is plenty of time and plenty of room to raise the proper arm and point. Bizarre to choose instead to raise the other arm and point across your torso. I mean, we all do it occasionally in the heat of the moment, but this almost seems like an approved mechanic!