Yeah, I see your point. But I figure there is no harm in doing the signal - although I wouldn't be surprised if FIBA changes this in the 2008 rule changes.

Hey, I'm lost...this is not football.

Just reading about the mechanic where the trail official appears to signal the opposite direction following a basket.

Back 33 years ago when I started that was a standard mechanic. Signal two fingers for a 2-pointer, 1 for a single free throw. Apparently, it is not done that way anymore and it did seem redundant.

NCAA-W - Maryland v. North Carolina (Sunday night I believe), all three officials did this after every made basket, and I have seen it 3-4 other times this season too. It is not a mechanic I can find in the book, and it is certainly not something that has been covered at camps the past couple years . . . so my assumption would be that it is something held over from years past. Just my take.

I signal 2 as a trail (and center) with some regularity, but only if the shooter was a foot or two inside the line. Just to give the table notice that we clearly had a 2 point shot so they don't have to wait that second or two more to realize it wasn't a three by waiting for the TD signal. I do it simply to 1) help the table (mainly clock) out, and 2) in case of the rare instance where the coach wants a 3 -- usually when the shot is on the other side of the floor from the bench. Almost always when I look to the table and give the signal, they are looking right at me waiting to see if I'm going to give the TD for a three.

I've done it at various camps and haven't yet been told not to.

TA:

I agree with and understand what you are saying (sometimes you HAVE to give the table something), but I think what the OP is talking about is on EVERY made basket, as the new trail is wathcing the throw-in, they will literally point to the opposite end of the floor (at least that is what I have seen), then drop their hand and begin the 5-second count for the throw-in. They did this on made lay-ups in the middle of the lane, and all the way to outside of the 3-pt. line. It looks wierd, but I'm not a D-I official, so what do I know. :D

My guess, without watching it, is that they are either:

1) in a habit of doing it becuase of the need to start the clock in the last minute of the game

2) beginning the 5-second count, but the ball is inbounded before the count even gets to one

3) "starting" the shot clock

Either way, not needed on every basket, but not a big deal, either.