Proper Signals

[zebraman]

Originally Posted by refnrev

Watched a boys V game last night in theory to support the local school but in reality to review 3-man to see if I still remembered proper 3-man mechanics. I' new to this part of the state and only have 2-man 7/8 and JV this year. Some ADs have already told me I'll be on ther V schedule next year so i want to kepp the mechanics in my mind. Fairly skilled teams. Decent officiating crew. 3 Younger guys. Good calls and positioning. I was surprised however, at how quickly they rushed to report the fouls and the number of "improvised" signals they used when reporting to the table. I was always told to take my time, be clear, and to always use nothing but the official signals. Is this use of speed and "improvised" signals a growing trend everyhere or was it just this crew. I only know a handful of officials in the area and I am curious.

This is certainly not a trend in our area. We teach our officials to use proper NFHS mechanics in their high school games. Those of us who do some college ball as well try to leave the college mechanics behind when we do high school games.

You will never go wrong in doing it properly. Ref the game that is being in the gym you are at THAT NIGHT.

[JRutledge]

There are a couple of realities at play here. First of all not everyone values all the NF mechanics whether you or I like them or not. Secondly if those officials are working and no one really cares, then it is going to be hard for them to care. Also veterans can things that a newer official can do. These are just the facts of the game. I rarely ever hear a coach complain that an official did not use the proper signal mechanics to a tee. The only people that care are assignors and other officials. Now if the assignors and other officials keep giving those officials that do not use the proper mechanics games and many opportunities that will never change. There is a lot more to officiating then our signals. I would be nice if people used all the signals to the letter, but they do not. The bottom line is officiating is more about getting calls right and being in position to make those calls. Everything else is window dressing if all other things are considered equal.

Peace