Do we need this mechanic?

[lrpalmer3]

To me, this mechanic is more useful to the players on the court. Both the defender and ball handler can see whether or not the count is on without explicitly looking at the official.

If the players are on your right and you are counting with your left hand, it's difficult for them to see if you simply drop you left hand to your side indicating that the count is off.

[mick]

Originally Posted by lrpalmer3

To me, this mechanic is more useful to the players on the court. Both the defender and ball handler can see whether or not the count is on without explicitly looking at the official.

Oh, my !

To me, if the ball handler is actually being closely-guarded, that player will be a bit busy to worry about whether the ref is counting or not, ... no matter which hand the ref is using.
As the defender, I don't care what the ref is doing. The other guy has *my ball* and I want it back.

[lrpalmer3]

Originally Posted by mick

Oh, my !

To me, if the ball handler is actually being closely-guarded, that player will be a bit busy to worry about whether the ref is counting or not, ... no matter which hand the ref is using.
As the defender, I don't care what the ref is doing. The other guy has *my ball* and I want it back.

Good ball players are well aware of the count. As a ref, you've never had a player look your direction to see if you had a count?

[mick]

Originally Posted by lrpalmer3

Good ball players are well aware of the count. As a ref, you've never had a player look your direction to see if you had a count?

Correct.
Never.
Who's he guarding if he's lookin' at me?

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by mick

Oh, my !

To me, if the ball handler is actually being closely-guarded, that player will be a bit busy to worry about whether the ref is counting or not, ... no matter which hand the ref is using.
As the defender, I don't care what the ref is doing. The other guy has *my ball* and I want it back.

I see your point, but it is usually the coach behind the official that is yelling for this. Several times this summer alone the coach is yelling to the ball handler about whether I have a count or not which he is telling his player to move or pass the ball.

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

When the NCAA/CAA added this signal a number of years ago, I thought it was the dumbest, stupidest, most idiotic signal that was ever adopted. I have never used it in a college game or an AAU girls' game because if I am not counting, it means that there is no closing guarded situation. AND, I do not plan to ever use it in a H.S. game or any game using NFHS rules.

Mark, if you do not like the mechanic, do not use the mechanic. I do not think anyone is going to be upset with you. The mechanic is just another way to communicate a situation. Just not counting does not always communicate why you are not counting.

We really are making this harder than it needs to be.

Peace

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

We really are making this harder than it needs to be.

Agree. It can't hurt. It might help. It ain't no biggie.

[BillyMac]

From Billy MaC: "Team members are not allowed to congregate at midcourt during introductions."

From BktBllRef: "No different from the FED, although many don't enforce it."

BktBallRef: NFHS citation please. Thanks.

[refnrev]

I'm glad it's here. It's a useful tool for communication. I used it from time to time before... not all of the time by any means, but it lets a coach who wants the closely guarded know that you aren't day dreaming or not paying attention. It communicates that you see exactly what is going on and you're making a judgement. It also can send a message to the coach to get his defenders closer to the ball handler if he wants the count. Have I ever had a player look over at me as was asked before? Never, nor I do I expect to have this happen. It would be poor judgement on the part of either the defender or ball handler.