Held Ball Signal

[M&M Guy]

Originally Posted by Scratch85

In my pregames with partners, I always ask how they signal a held ball. Whether they come up with the thumbs-up signal or come up with a hand, followed by the thumbs-up signal. I ask this to prepare for double whistle situations.

In conversation with last nights partner, he questioned which was proper. I think the held ball signal is used to stop the clock and indicate the call. I prefer the raised hand first, but I do not believe this is the NFHS mechanic.

What do you normally use when calling a held ball? Is it an incorrect mechanic to stop the clock with the hand before signalling the held ball?

In the Signal Chart at the back of the rule book, Signal 3 is "Stop clock for held ball". Iow, the "thumbs up" signal also stops the clock, so doing the open hand first would be redundant. (And, yes, I'm an expert at redundancy.)