Too good to call lower?

[ChuckElias]

Ok, I started this little brouhaha, so I guess I'll answer all of these at once.

Originally posted by TPS2859
I too would like to know why the signals being properly used not a big deal? I've seen refs use signals that I wonder what book they got them from.

As I said, proper signals are important. They're simply not as important as getting the calls right. Which would you rather have: an official who fails to stop the clock when calling a travel, or an official who calls 5 phantom travels, but uses great mechanics while doing it? Obviously, you want a guy (or gal) who does both. But wouldn't you ALWAYS rather have the guy who gets the call right? I would.

Originally posted by Smitty
I have to agree that there does seem to be a double standard when it comes to certain things being done properly. I've never seen so many people talk about whether it's ok to wear a belt or not, and the same people brush off using the proper mechanics for the game they're working. I don't get it.

These are not different at all. Whether it's ok or not to wear belted pants depends largely upon the fashion in the area of the country or the league where you officiate. Signals are the same way.

In HS, most associations and assignors stress proper mechanics. At higher levels of ball, assignors place MUCH MUCH more emphasis on play-calling and game management.

People's jobs and livelihoods are literally at stake at these levels; and frankly, if a guy loses a game and his job b/c the official missed the call, it's going to be very small consolation to him that the official had a straight arm when he called that phantom foul with 0:02 left in the game.

Originally posted by Folksref
I think clean, crisp, no-nonsense signals are important. It's part of the total package of good officiating. I don't buy the claim that an official who calls a good game, yet uses lousy signals is a good official. I respect the ones who can do both.

So the guys who work the NCAA tournament, but happen to use the NBA block signal aren't good officials? Give me a break! Of course you respect the officials who make great calls AND use great signals, but that doesn't mean that the guys who have let their signals slip are bad officials. Come on, that's just ludicrous.

I also said that the guy who does both has an advantage over the guy who has sloppy signals. Who's the NCAA guy who just points ("That way! That way!") on an offensive foul? I can't remember. But you want to tell me that he's NOT a good official? That's just silly.

Bottom line is to get the call right. Use the right signals when you do it, and you'll get noticed and you'll move up. But once you get up there, you darn well better get the call right, first and foremost.

JMO, but I think some of you may want to rethink your criticisms a little bit.