I have found myself using the "tip" signal on a shot attempt as my partner is calling a foul.

ex: I am T, A1 goes up for a shot, B1 blocks shot. I am signaling good block, but my P as the L is whistling for a foul.

ex: same situation, I signal good block, no foul call. Let's everyone know I saw the play and had nothing.

To signal or not to signal, that is the question.

In your second situation, I simply don't blow the whistle...that let's everyone know I saw the play and didn't see a foul.

In your first situation, now you're screwed. This is as good an argument as any why NOT to use the tip signal. It's not an NFHS mechanic and it can only get you into trouble.

So what happens after you just showed everyone you saw a clean block and made your tip signal, later in the game there's another clean block that you didn't see and you don't make the tip signal. You just showed everyone in the gym you weren't paying attention. Sometimes doing nothing is better than doing something.

I agree, the "tip" signal should not be used. However, the fact that you don't see a foul and your partner does, is exactly why there are two or three officials working a game - so that one can call what the other(s) can't see.

Is the signal in the book?

There is no need to use it on a shot, it's either a clean block...no whistle, or a foul.

Referee magazine had an illustration about a pass coming from lead's corner that gets tipped into the backcourt, and they suggested that lead come off the endline using the tipped signal to aide trail with the back court call.

There is debate about even using it then.

Don't use the signal and the problem goes away.

Also where is A1's shot coming from that both you and your partner are watching it?

If you're going to use this at all, I'd suggest waiting until play has cleared the other way, and the coach is up asking about it. Then an "all ball" type signal can work to let him know you're looking.

But, as you've discovered yourself, NEVER give the signal when there's even the remotest possibility a foul could be called on the play.

i got called on the tip signal by an observer last night...there is no need for it...

The only time I can see a tip signal being useful is on a borderline over and back call where the ball may have been slightly deflected into the backcourt by the defense. This lets everyone know why no violation was called and possibly saves a conversation with a coach.