Spot of foul mechanic

[zeedonk]

Good morning-

I am currently in a bit of a spot of foul mechanic funk. The HS Federation mechanic signals say that the bird-dog is optional, yet camps and the local board seem to want us cadets to use it in the following manner-> whistle-> bird-dog->indicator (push, illegal use, etc)-> "spot" or "two shots".

Now I spent a good amount of time getting rid of the bird-dog early in the year and I find that to use it really messes me up in terms of flow and polish. After speaking with a few vets and class observers, it seems that this mechanic is used largely to get us to sloooooooow down, as the younger (self included) officials seem to always be in a mechanics rush.

How is the bird-dog mechanic thought of these days? Is is required or optional or depends on your board?

Second, how to higher levels of play look at officials who bird-dog? Do colleges frown on it? If I am observed by a college official, or if I am at a college camp trying out (so to speak) what will the reaction be if I use it?

Thanks

Z