Whistle Dead Ball

[Rich1]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

[I]Rule doesn't state audio or visual signal, implying a level of redundancy.

Maybe not, but the mechanics state that the hand in the air is the stop clock signal. The whistle is more like an attention getting device, not a signal. If that little pea fell out of your whistle you should be able to yell really loudly and put your hand up with similar effect.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Rich1

If that little pea fell out of your whistle you should be able to yell really loudly and put your hand up with similar effect.

Agree. Of course, the "yell" is also an audio signal.

In the case of a non-functioning whistle (spit it out, dropped it, etc.) the visual signal alone should stop the clock, and if high school ever has a future replay monitor, one should be able to check the time with a visual signal.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

... spit it out, dropped it, etc. ...

... includes forgetting to put the whistle in my mouth, and not having a whistle (leaving it in my jacket pocket at the table) on my person.

Yeah, hate to admit it, but I've done both.

[BillyMac]

NFHS 2.4.3 SITUATION: Prior to the game, the home team athletic director informs the officials that the school has purchased a new timing system whereby the game clock is controlled by the game officials via their whistle and a timing pack. RULING: The device shall not be used unless the state association has approved its use and the game officials have been properly instructed/trained on how to use the equipment. (2-4-3 Note)

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

In the case of a non-functioning whistle (spit it out, dropped it, etc.) the visual signal alone should stop the clock, and if high school ever has a future replay monitor, one should be able to check the time with a visual signal.

... with no high school replay monitor, if I had a "spit my whistle out" (non-functioning whistle) episode, and I got a good look at the clock as I put my arm up, I would have no qualms about adding time to the clock as I had definite knowledge, this being not limited to, but especially in, an end-of-period situation.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Rich1

... but the mechanics state that the hand in the air is the stop clock signal.

My IAABO signal chart states that, but my IAABO Mechanics Manual states that one should simultaneously sound one's whistle and give a visual signal.

I don't have access to a NFHS Mechanics Manual.

[Mike Goodwin]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

My IAABO signal chart states that, but my IAABO Mechanics Manual states that one should simultaneously sound one's whistle and give a visual signal.

I don't have access to a NFHS Mechanics Manual.

NFHS Officials Manual

Violations: Give a sharp single blast of the whistle and fully extend one arm above the head with fingers extended to stop the clock.

Fouls: Sound the whistle with a single sharp blast while raising one hand, fist clenched, straight and high above the head.

[Rich1]

I was actually just thinking of the chart but do agree that the whistle and the hand go up together according to the actual written section of the mechanics.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Rich1

I was actually just thinking of the chart but do agree that the whistle and the hand go up together according to the actual written section of the mechanics.

We often work games at the American School For The Deaf, and are always advised by the athletic director to be sure to put up our hands/fists, for both the players, and the timekeeper.

Working games at this site really forces one to concentrate on using good visual signals.