As a member of the Board for the association up North, I'll contribute my feelings.

1. NEVER use two-hand reporting in a HS game. The NFHS manual specifies "with a one-handed signal." So follow the HS mechanics or don't work that level of ball. It comes off as big-timing to use two hands for reporting numbers.

2. I ALWAYS sound the whistle when bringing in subs. Why? Because the NFHS Officials Manual says to do so. It's on pages 41 (F2) and 78 (G2), for 2-man and 3-man mechanics. There is no doubt how the NFHS wants this done.

Note:
The table crew in my area is not part of the officials association and so does not have meetings or instruction other than from us just prior to the games. We get whomever the school provides. That is a difference between here and Vegas.

I disagree. I think people read too much into it when officials report with two hands. Yes, reporting with two hands is not correct as far as the NFHS manual is concerned and should be commented on as such. But to go as far as saying reporting that way is big timing the game? That's a bit much IMO.

TOM - Since you have a whislte in your mouth when you blow it, couldn't it be argued that by blowing the whistle IS communicating with your mouth?? (J/K I will ask a player to get a ball rather than blow the whistle)
I always blow the whistle, and usually verbalize SUB, when I am bringing subs into a game. But again, I am always in the more communication camp on situations like these
As for using one or two hands reporting in HS, I TRY to use one hand but more often then not revert back to two. Part of the reason, I think, is I was asked early on "Would you rather make a $65 mistake (reporting w/ 2 hand in NFHS) or a $400 mistake (reporting with one hand in NCAA -W).?" I do agree that it CAN come off as big time, but I think that has more to do with the personality of the official than the actual mechanic.

Eat Fresh ...
 

After the horn sounds to get the substitutes in, if I wave in the substitutes and they don't come in, I'll yell, "Subs". If that doesn't work, I'll sound my whistle. That's the way most of us do it here in our little corner of the "Constitution State".

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Run Silent, Run Deep ...
 

No whistle in the IAABO Manual.

Note to veteran NFHS mechanics users: Has the whistle for substitutes always been part of the NFHS Manual? Many years ago we used to use the NFHS mechanics, and I don't remember sounding the whistle to bring in substitutes.

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I never whistle for a sub. However, I do sometimes whistle at a hot mom. :)

Exactly. Don't blame the damn horn unless he's sitting on the X and I'm in la-la land.

Come on Tom, we all know at the HS level that table crew compentency varies GREATLY.

It's pretty simple for me:

• Table hits horns, I use raised hand but no whistle from me
• Table doesn't hit horn and I have eye contact with my partner I use voice and raised hand
• Table doesn't hit horn and I DON'T have eye contact with my partner then I use whistle and raised hand

I really don't see what's the big deal though.

It ain't a big deal. You do what your local association tells you to do. That includes one hand vs. two hand reporting also. And if you're not sure, you ask.

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare ...
 

In India, associations allow ten hand reporting. It's true.

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I whistle to bring in subs and I use one hand reporting when doing HS games, on the occasion when, I have the opportunity to work NCAA-W games. I use two hand reporting. I have always been taught to be aware of what level you are working and use the proper mechanics.,

When in Rome......
 

As has been discussed, I try and do what I'm told.

As a mostly sub-V, AAU and Rec Official I use the whistle to bring in subs as the table crews are oft times not stellar performers/volunteers. Now, as I get better table crews at the JV/V games, often the horn will actually sound, in which case I have been instructed NOT to use the whistle as it is redundant.

I don't do College games, therefore I never use two-hands to report. My thoughts on that - I'm kinda in Nevada's camp here. Hey, if you do both levels and you can keep both sets of rules straight, you can keep your hand signals/mechanics straight too and you KNOW you should be using one-hand.....so, why use two? Unless you're trying to show someone something.....and what could that be?

JMO

So when you whistle at that hot mom, you're allowing her to enter the game to go after any loose balls? :)

Amen! To that one, I used to hands since I first started refereeing, it just felt more natural to me. Yeah I got picked at about it, but those who know it has nothing to do with "big timing" anyone.

Yeah - and if she does, I allow an exception to my no overtime rule! :rolleyes: