Closely guarded? No. Just throw out your arms.

[bob jenkins]

Originally posted by Cager ref 1989
6 feet. Why do I see officials throwing their arms out to their side instead of counting 5 seconds? Am I missing something here? I understand why they are putting their arms out, but I don't understand why they don't just start the 5 second count. Within 6 feet. That's all it takes.

It's used to show the coach (usually) that you are watching the play, but judge that the defender isn't within the required distance. Without the mechanic, the coach might think you are watching something else.

As others have said, it's not an approved mechanic in FED, but is an approved mechanic in NCAA.