Preliminary Calls
 

Our association has told us that we should do a preliminary call in only four foul situations:

- Block
- Player Control Foul
- Team Control Foul
- Hand check

I can't find it in the NFHS rule book.

What do others do?

Well this is not a rulebook issue. The rulebook does not dictate the mechanic standards except for the actual signal. Nothing in the rulebook talks about the procedure of calling a foul mechanically. This could be an NF Manual issue, but that is only if your area actually uses that book (many do not).

The preliminary signal should be done every time in theory. But sometimes it is not really that necessary on such an obvious foul or call. This is one of these....."When in Rome....." situations.

Our HS association does it according to the NFHS Official's Manual. We give a preliminary signal for every foul.

For college games, we only give prelims for block, P/C or handcheck.

As Rut says, do what is accepted in your area. Sounds like you might have some collegiate officials who are the "powers that be" in your HS association.

I got the same advice at a clinic this summer, but the fed's basketball officials manual says give a preliminary on all fouls. See 2.4.2 B (two man) or 3.4.2 (three man). It gives eight steps to follow at the point of foul. Preliminary signal is step 4.

NFHS 2009-10 Point Of Emphasis ...
 

OFFICIALS’ MECHANICS AND SIGNALS. Communication and consistency remain the most important elements of good officiating. It is essential for officials to be familiar and comfortable with proper NFHS officiating mechanics and signals. The primary reasons for utilizing only approved NFHS mechanics and signals are:
• Effective court coverage related to Primary Coverage Areas.
• Effective communication between officiating partner(s).
• Provide immediate information and feedback to coaches, players, scorers, timers and fans.

Signals are used to communicate and should never be used to call attention to the official. The majority of signals are used to indicate what has or is happening. Approved NFHS signals are dignified, informative and meaningful. The use of unauthorized signals frequently confuses, because the meaning is unknown. Problems are also created when officials engage in “hit and run” officiating. This occurs when an official blows the whistle and immediately leaves the area without taking the time to follow the proper procedures for calling the foul or violation. Signals should be given in a manner that is calm, under control, unhurried and professional.

I like giving a preliminary signal for flagrant technicals. :D

NCAA-W

Preliminary signals for

Block
Charge
Handcheck
Technical
Double Foul

Give a preliminary signal, among other times, when you need to sell a call. Play: kid holding the ball gets bumped and steps out of bounds (or travels) and you call a foul. Everyone reacts to what the one with the ball did rather than the contact. Go ahead and give the push signal after the whistle and fist in the air.

In IAABO we have to give prelims on every foul :(

I find it tough to stop doing that (habit) when attending higher level camps where prelims aren't neccessary for each call.

Swinging back & forth from HS to NCAA mechanics/signals on a nightly basis must be a challenge.

We have to do them all the time for college and high school. Does this mean everyone uses a preliminary signal all the time? Of course not. This just goes to show it matters where you actually live and who you actually work for. ;)

Peace

Depends on whether the powers to be in your area care.

Are those prelim signaling situations specified in the NCAA-W Manual?

FED you're suppose to give a prelim signal for all fouls.

I'm just happy we don't have to bird dog every single call.

I dont give prelims, not in College or HS. Keeps me out of tons of trouble!!!!!

Preliminary signals are supposedly required in NFHS basketball. In PA you will not work a state playoff game unless you give preliminary signals for every call. It is one of the requirements.

The preliminary signal is there there as a tool that we are "required" to use in high school basketball. It allows us to communicate with our partner(s), fans, coaches, and players immediately, on the spot. Preliminary signals can also keep us out of trouble. I feel like the preliminary signal goes along with selling a call.

I have gotten out of the habit of giving preliminary signals and am working on getting back into the habit of using them. They are helpful, especially when you look good doing them.