Giving the fumble signal

[Indianaref]

Had a disagreement with another official on a play that happened earlier this year. It was on my mind yesterday, so I thought I would ask it here.

A1 is dribbling in her front court, ends her dribble, then fumbles the ball about 10 feet away. She starts out to retrieve the ball, then stops short of the ball believing that her next touch will be a violation. With the defense closing in, she decides to go ahead and pick up the ball. Of course, no whistle, the coach of Team B immediately complains, I give the fumble signal (I know that the fumble signal is not a proper NFHS mechanic, but I use it anyway). Later my P says that I should go ahead and give the fumble signal early (before she picks up the ball) so that everyone will know that you are on top of it, sort of like when an official gives the tip signal early when the ball goes into the back court.

My thoughts are to wait and let the play develop then give a signal after the ball is retrieved. To me it looks like you are not trying to coach the team.