A T is not a violation so the open hand is improper. A T is a foul and closed fist should be used.

I had to stop and think about that. I honestly don't think I ever have used either the open palm or fist. I just blow my whistle and give the T signal. Of course, most of the time, a T on the coach (or player for that matter) occurs when the ball is dead anyway.

Let me add:

1) Stop the clock uisng the fist.

2) It's not any different from any other foul. Report it and act emotionally the same way.

3) Leave it up to the calling official whether to stay tableside or go opposite. Even if s/he stays tableside initially, be alert to the possibility of going opposite before the throw-in, or a quick "unforced switch" after the ball gets in play.

Totally agree.. When I get with my partner I usually make it a very light-hearted meeting, but we make sure of what we got and what we're going to do. I also make it a point that which ever partner meets the calling official, that person informs the coach while the calling official reports the T.

That's why you should talk with your partners first, before you report, because you could be about to do something wrong. Tech's are emotional parts of the game, like it or not, they are. This quick communication can keep you out of ALOT of trouble. :D

BTW, I was just joking about making the T signal look cool. Lighten up :p

Well, yeah. It's a "T," not an "ehhhhhhhhhh."

I've never used a closed fist when calling a T. I've never seen anyone use a closed fist before signaling a T.

Believe it or not, I realize that a technical foul is not a violation. ;) But we use the open hand to stop the clock for reasons other than violations, as well. In my case, I'm simply saying stop the clock, and then giving the T signal to explain why I just stopped the clock.

Using a fist for a T would be very odd to see, I think.

So what other mechanics will you be setting aside tonight? ;)

A1attempts a shot. Thinks he was fouled. No call. Opponent gets the rebound and as everyone is heading the other way, the player who thought he was fouled says, "That was a f***ing foul!!"

Why would you not raise your fist as you blow the whistle to assess the T?

Force of habit. It looks and feels funny, and I've never been down-graded for NOT using the fist during a T.

Probably because I think of the fist just for contact situations.

Like I said, I've never even seen somebody use a fist when calling a T. I just tried it out in the mirror and it looks stoopid.

Are you sure it's the signal? ;)

I was purposely vague because I didn't want a case specific answer.

I haven't seen Ts given enough to have an idea of what should be done.

Rita

Technical Foul
 

Technical Fouls

Top Reasons To Not Give A Technical Foul
• You can address a coach before it becomes a problem. A quiet word can go a long way in preventing a technical foul.
• When coaches complain, ask yourself, is the call questionable, is the call wrong. If they have a legitimate gripe, then allow them some latitude.
• If you know a coach is upset then move away from him or her, even if it means that you and your partner are not switching or rotating properly.
• Warnings can be very effective in preventing situations from escalating. Don't tolerate a lot before a warning.
• Lend and ear. Coaches like to be heard. If you ignore them then they become more frustrated and are more likely to lose control.
• If an assistant is out of line, then you can speak to the head coach and ask them to help you out.
• If a player is out of line then let the coach know. Tell them you've warned their player. That way if you do give a technical foul, then the coach isn't surprised. Most good coaches will speak to the player first.
• If you have had a rough day and know your fuse is short, keep that in mind before you do anything rash. Ask yourself, does the situation come under one of the top reasons to give a technical foul.

Top Reasons To Give A Technical Foul
There are many different factors to consider when deciding to give a technical foul. Generally, there are three areas of coach's behavior that need attention: when a coach makes it personal, when a coach
draws attention to himself or herself, and when a coach's complaints are persistent. Some technical fouls are easy. They are black and white situations that leave little room for negotiation:
• Using profanity or language that is abusive, vulgar, or obscene.
• A coach questions your integrity.
• Inciting an undesirable crowd reaction.
• A coach is embarrassing an official.
• A coach or player has been warned and has not heeded the warning.
• Leaving the confines of the coaching box and complaining.
• A coach demonstrates displeasure with your partner and their back is turned.

Other technical fouls are not as black and white. In some situations, a warning may be appropriate before the technical foul is given:
• A coach or player continually demonstrates signals or asks for calls.
• If they have interfered with the game or your concentration, then they have usually gone too far.
• If giving a technical will help give structure back to the game and if it will have a calming effect on things.

Top Ways To Give A Technical Foul
• Calling a technical foul should be no different then calling any other foul. It is simply a rule that requires a penalty. Maintain a pleasant attitude, have poise and presence. Don’t personalize it. Don't embarrass the coach by being demonstrative.
• Take your time. Don’t over react. Always sound the whistle and stop the clock with a foul signal. Signal the technical foul. Never look at a coach when you give a technical foul. Proceed to the reporting area, report it to the table, and leave the area.
• Confer with your partner. If the technical foul is charged to the head coach or bench personnel, have your partner inform the coach of the loss of the coaching box.
• Explanations, it needed should be done by partner. Always explain technical fouls on players to coaches.
• Proceed with the administration of the penalty. After technical fouls, put the ball in play immediately. Because a coach has been penalized with a technical foul does not mean that the coach is allowed rebuttal time.
• Make them earn the second technical foul. Don't be reluctant to give the second technical foul if it is warranted.
• Do not discuss a technical foul or an ejection of a player or coach beyond the confines of the gymnasium. Doing so is very unethical. The penalty is enough.

Here's the really cool mechanic to use when calling a technical. After showing both thumbs up, you move one thumb on top of the other to make the "T".

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi.../94/Fonzie.jpg