OFFICIALS MANUAL

2.3.6 Last-Second Shot:

C. Preparation: Use time-outs near the end of any period to communicate the
coverage for any last second shot. Each official should be aware of the
remaining time in a period and be alert for the timer’s signal.

D. Making the Call:
1. The Trail official is responsible for making the call on any last-second
shot and should communicate this to his/her partner. Such communication
should be repeated on any change of possession.

So how do you communicate this during play if there is no mechcanic. I am not advocating beating yourself in the head. But as long as both guys are on the same page does it really matter?

t foul
 

whew, over, I was just about to call a technical foul on you two

A Distinction with a Difference
 

Yes, you're apparently referring to the handy, somewhat subtle signals officials give to each other for the sake of good communication and keeping everybody on the crew on the same page. Those kinds of signals, while not prescribed by the Fed, I don't think should be discouraged. And those are the kinds of signals that differ the most, depending on what region of the country you're in. I've learned and now use some of those inter- (intra-?) crew gestures as I've learned them via various partners and instructors at camps. Very helpful. And I'm open to learning more.
Regarding the topic of the thread, I appreciate the uniformity when it comes to the mechanics of the signals as prescribed by the Fed. And I'm wondering whether it has a subtle impact upon the coaches we work with, too. When I was on the dark side (coaching), I always considered the uniformity of the crew to be an indication of their credibility. Like it or not, when the crew was uniform and clear in its mechanics, I'd be hesitant to challenge their judgment calls. Perhaps it was the appearance of professionalism that prompted me not to question their judgments as often.
I'm enjoying the responses to this thread, and have logged them on the pregame list I use when working with newbies. I thank you for the responses thusfar!

The old double-fist hip-banging block has to be at the top. In one clinic I attended they told us not to do that. An official was sued by a middle school girls' parents for making an obscene gesture at their daughter - and won.

Oh, you know what I mean.;)

I know I take that rule very seriously.

Agreed, these are good crew communication techniques. Just a little help to make sure we're all on the same page. I don't think anyone can argue with these (how soon will I eat my words on that one?).

I do not believe this. Post a link or something.

You don't have to if you pre-gamed it.

Every single one of my pre-games involves me saying "And let's remember that the trail always has the last shot."

Once you've communicated that, not patting on the head is really necessary. That's just my preference, though.

I think you meant to say, "I've got last shot."

How about C opposite table? Or do you only do two man games?

I only do 2-man games, unfortunately.

That's the other problem I have with this mechanic. It means different things to different people. I've had partners who think the "mechanic" means "I've got the last shot" and some who think it means "clock is under one minute."

I've been in games before where the lead is patting his head and I'm shaking my head "no" at him and he's looking at me like I'm crazy.

I think of Curly when I see the head pat. I will point to my wrist to advise my partner of under a minute left and pat my chest if I have last shot.