Re: use of the
 

Big Dave,
On my partners Line, if I see a tip, I just stand there like a stump, unless he looks at me, and then I give a direction.
The only tip I give is a "Foul tip", and only if someone is on base.
mick

I agree.... The less you "call/signal" of the unnecessary the better off you will be...

As officials, we are over criticized and underappreciated. Why should we go out of our way to explain the call? There is a sect that will disagree regardless which way we make our call.

Our association does not encourage the tip signal or other non-approved mechanics for the following reason. Take this scenario, A1 passes ball to A2 from trail's area (tableside) to the weak side (skip pass). B1, guarding A1, tips the ball and trail signals a tip using the tip signal. The lead official doesn't see the initial tip but the ball hits the floor and glances off of A2's foot (unseen by the trail official and benches) and the lead official comes out and awards the ball to B. Coach of team A immediately begins the "help him/her out" call because he saw the tip signal. By making the "tip signal" you have already pre-judged that the ball should remain with the passing team if an out of bounds play occurs even though you may not be able to see the whole play to conclusion. Our association preaches that you should give your partner the opportunity to make a call and then if necessary, i.e. you saw a tip that you believe your partner may not have seen, blow your whistle, get together with your partner and get it right. The tip isn't as bad as the "all ball" signal. How many times do you see an official make the "all ball" signal only to have the dreaded double whistle and the other official signal a foul!!!