Closely guarded? No. Just throw out your arms.

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

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 is a NCAA Men's/Women's mechanic that tells the coach that the official recognizes the fact that there is not a closely guarded situation. I think it is a stupid mechanic. If I am not visually signaling a closely guarded count then it should be obvious that a closely guarded situation does not exsist.

MTD, Sr.