When under the basket and there is alot of legal contact going on but there is no foul (eg. one put back try after another, and maybe add a lose ball or two - all in the paint); the crowd is beginning to roar because of no call, but I've got good position and I see no foul. Question: What signal/motion do you do (if any) to let the crowd know that you were on top of it and saw no foul? Thanks!

You don't do anything.

The signal you can use is not holding your fist up in the air.

The danger of using the "tip" signal is the same as the problem with the "blarge" You signal a tip...partner comes in with a foul call. Now everybody is upset.

Don't signal anything. It's better to let them think you're blind, than to get into that kind of problem.

Blow your whistle to stop play. Walk over to the table and use the microphone to explain the play to the crowd. Use this opportunity to explain why you did or did not call the back court violation they were screaming about two possessions earlier.

There's a signal for this. Cock both of your arms behind your head, then throw both of them forward over your head with the middle finger extended on each hand.

Either that or use this opportunity to shove both hands down inside your Sansabelt pants and undergarments and adjust the boys.

Shrug your shoulders and keep cocking your head at different angles, all the while sporting the most bewildered expression you can muster. That usually calms 'em right down.

Look up in the crowd and give them your best impression of the Bobby Knight "game face".

Who gives a d@mn about what the crowd thinks?

Do you take a public opinion poll before each of your calls?

Nope, no opinion polls are necessary. It was a joke. I'm sure if you look around Nevada long enough, you'll find someone who has a sense of humor.

Exactly what is wrong with most officials...at least JOG over to the table instead of walking. My gosh, hustle!!

How many times have you wished you could do just that...use the microphone and let the crowd know!! PRICELESS.

Blow your whistle to stop game. Proceed to laundry basket sitting in corner with striped shirts. Offer them to any and all that feel they can do a better job, or even have the guts to try. After receiving no takers, return to game and continue in silence and peace.

Well, I did laugh out loud with the microphone take! BUT thanks for the advice. I so often see guys make the tip signal but you guys helped solidify that the "tip" call could get you into real trouble when my partner calls the foul. Thanks guys/gals!

Australians handle these ones well...
 

You see, it's all about respect. You can get that respect by doing something that would impress the crowd. Showing them fingers, will get you there eventualy, but an even faster way would be to:
1) Stand up straight. Reach into your back pocket.
2) Produce a flask.
3) Take a decent gulp of that bourbon, followed by a massive burp, and a loud "That's some good old ****" comment.
4) Now turn around and offer the flask to the spectator closest to you. Observe the utter silence as you do that.
5) Shrug your shoulders as he/she refuses, pack in the flask, and run up the court, as the game has surely moved on.
6) Make sure you say "Enjoy the rest of the game" to the crowd before you start running.

Holy Sh$t! I just spit coffee on my computer screen! That was the funniest thing I've read on this forum. Get the microphone! WOW that was funny. LOL

Yes I do, maybe that's why my games last 6 hours.

(Regis, can I phone a friend??)

No, I don't take into account crowd opinion! I've come to this site to learn how to be a better official and that is why I ask. Those of you who are trying to berate me are most likely those officials who when you put on the stripes, you become a different person - an overlord over the kids and coaches. I'm doing this to serve our high school kids and want to be the best official I can be.

easy fella
 

don't take the ribbing personally...it wasn't directed toward you and there are those who want to be good officals, some who are working toward being a better offical and those who just plain are great officals...you will get great advice here but if we cannot joke around a little then maybe you're just a bit to serious and need to develope a thicker skin...the crowd is the very last thing to worry about in the game, most have a great advantage in seeing the play but don't have the rules knowledge or how to apply them...you want something to work toward being a better offical, then support your partner, be consistant and try to take someting from each game and work on it.

Now look here. I didn't come in 'ere for abuse! I came in 'ere for an argument!

What?!? Oh, quite sorry. This is abuse. You want Room 12A, just along the corridor. Good day! <font size = -2>Stupid git.</font>

Which person were you directing your reply? How do I not take it "personally" if you are directing your reply to a person?

I thought you were directing your reply to me! Oops, my bad!

I literally have tears running down my cheeks... good advice!