Fun With Held Ball Signals ...

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

The only reason for the Two-Step Held Ball Signal is to allow a Game Official who has initially started to signal a Foul to change his/her her decision to a Held Ball in mid-stream

Old system we could have a double whistle with three possible conflicting signals to be displayed, held ball signal (thumbs); violation, or timeout (open hand); or a foul (fist).

New method double whistle only two possible conflicting preliminary signals, open hand (for a violation, timeout, or a held ball) and a fist (foul), before the final signal is given.

New method gives us more time (fractions of a second) between only two conflicting preliminary signals and the actual final signal, possibly time to take a peek at a partner, possibly make eye contact, and possibly (using our top secret, non-verbal, body language, extra sensory perception, mind meld, officiating communication technique) avoiding a conflicting final signal.