Reporting

[Mike Burns]

When I report to the table I signal the player # with my right arm extended and hand raised just above the shoulder. The other night I had an official who was observing suggest that since I am so tall and ...well lanky comes to mind.. (I am 6'4" and go about 185) that I should extend my arm straight and signal with my hand at about chest level. He suggested that it would project strength and that I don't need to bring my signal up above the shoulder because of my height.

This was not part of an evaluation, but just intended to be helpful advice from a fellow official. Is it worth heeding? I know I can count on some of you "camp" guys or gals to help me out here.

Thanks
Mike

[Mark Dexter]

I'm no camp guy, but I have been a table guy for the past five years.

I really have no problem where the hand is held, as long as it is not extended high over the head or down near/below the waist.

What I would recommend, though is not putting your hand in front of your shirt - sometimes things get fuzzy with a striped background.

[mick]

Originally posted by Mike Burns
When I report to the table I signal the player # with my right arm extended and hand raised just above the shoulder. The other night I had an official who was observing suggest that since I am so tall and ...well lanky comes to mind.. (I am 6'4" and go about 185) that I should extend my arm straight and signal with my hand at about chest level. He suggested that it would project strength and that I don't need to bring my signal up above the shoulder because of my height.

This was not part of an evaluation, but just intended to be helpful advice from a fellow official. Is it worth heeding? I know I can count on some of you "camp" guys or gals to help me out here.

Thanks
Mike

Mike,
Hold your hand about shoulder height just outside your body and about a foot in front. This is called the "picture frame". The table can see you fingers and your face in one snapshot.
Use you right hand for the team on your right.
Use the left hand for the team on your left.
mick

[RX Ref]

I agree with the picture frame idea. If you want to project strength, do it with your voice, and with your signal of the foul or violation. When you are indicating a hack, whack your arm good, or a push, really throw your arms out towards the table and hold them there a second. A professional official once told me this. He said it sells your call. I think it works.