what is "on the floor"?

[CLAY]

Tim,

It is important that communication is strong while officiating. A foul is called and the fist goes up. The coaches are looking at the official as soon as they hear the whistle to see if the official has an open hand or closed fist. If you do not believe it, call a foul and give the open hand violation sign, the coach will eat you up.
It's just like the signal pointing to the floor or shouting "on the floor" give the coach as much information as possible so when you report to the table you are less likely to get any crap from the coach. Everyone in the stands,on the floor, and on the bench know it was a foul before the shot.