STOP CLOCK MECHANIC???

[ChuckElias]

We have actually been given conflicting instructions on this issue. The rulebook has an appendix showing all the approved signals. The rulebook tells us that the stop clock signal may be omitted on an OOB violation. (NCAA 2006 rulebook, Appendix VII, BR-176.) This is actually a change from 2 or 3 years ago, when the rulebook said that there was no stop clock signal for an OOB violation (2003 NCAA rulebook).

However, in the '04-'05 CCA Men's Basketball Officiating Manual (Men's Crew of Three), page 25 says:

Non-standard signals are not to be used. All officials must use the standard signals listed in this manual when calling violations or fouls. Using unauthorized signals, like a "hit to the head," a tip signal on block [sic] shots, not stopping the clock before signaling direction or over-exaggerated blocking foul signals, are prohibited. (Emphasis mine)

So what do we follow? The rulebook or the manual? The answer is you follow what your supervisor tells you. At the 2 camps that I attended this year, both run by D1 men's assignors, the assignors have told me that they want to see the stop clock signal. I'm quite certain that other assignors don't care. But since I'm trying to impress those assignors, guess what I do?