Since Snaqs & I are in the same board, I unfortunately know of which he speaks:

1. OOB - no stop clock, just point
2. Walking & talking
3. 2 handed reporting
4. Not awarding FTs on throw-in foul situations (team control in NCAA not in HS)
5. Hit to the head signal

And, 4 of the 5 of those have absolutely nothing to do with how well they call the game, how good of a partner they are, or anything that really matters. Sure, everyone should follow the prescribed mechanics, but these things are way down the list of things that make a good official.

I happen to find it quite difficult to switch things like #1 form game to game. I think the signal that comes out is more of a reflex than a thoughtful choice. If the person is working a fair amount of college games and is focusing on improving those mechanics, it they will probably do those things, not out of trying to big time you, but out of habit.

There is little reason why the two levels are different on 1, 2, 3, and 5. They are different, sure, but no major reason.

Absolutely!!
Getting the calls right is most important, but thats what I have been saying all along.

That being said, D-League officials who also work DI dont use the loose ball foul mechanic in the ACC :D
It takes much discipline to go back & forth using the correct mechanics from night to night. And if they do it, we should too, JMO.

1. In my area most people stop the clock. That is not an NCAA-M mechanic as we are to still stop the clock. If you ever attended a camp with John Adams or even Dale Kelley this was required. Actually it would identify you more as a Women's official. ;)

2. Officials did this regardless of their mechanics. But once again this is not a NCAA mechanic on the Men's side.

3. Not a widely accepted Men's mechanic and not used or taught.

4. I have high school officials that screw this up all the time or do not know this rule.

5. I have seen guys do that regardless of their level.

The problem is that many times we assume things people do has something to actually do with college. College mechanics did not have all these procedures and I saw officials doing them. But we are not talking about signals which you will find all officials have some idiosyncrasies that are not perfect. And I have yet to be called out on them or see them called out on many of them unless they think you can officiate and it is a pet peeve of the person observing. I know people that get upset if you do not use all four fingers on a directional signal. Ultimately who really cares if you get the call right. But college officials in my experience know when to call out of their primary and when not to.

Peace

Actually, the bigges one I've seen is TF administration; wanting to go POI on a single T. I had to correct two Rs on that point, in game, last year. To be fair, it's not a major problem. My point is, however, when high school guys are messing up on the mechanics, they're generally accepting of feedback.

And, for the record, the "Big Time" attitude isn't exclusive to either group. I've just seen it with a higher percentage of the "college guys."

In all my sports there are officials that get rules mixed up. It happens when you are working one on Friday and Saturday afternoon you are working another level. Then you have to go back and work a high school game that night. It is not difficult to forget the differences from time to time if you are not careful. I know before every college game I have to review certain rules just to make sure I am straight. Not as hard for me when I work high school as I can go several games without working a college game. But when that does happen, I have to review the rules especially on those double header Saturdays.

I think that is an area thing. Might apply in most areas, but where I live college guys work high school games all the time. Even those that work D1 ball will work a high school game or tournament. But when I talk to others in that live in other states it is clear they get shut out for whatever reason to work high school. I guess I am fortunate because Friday night is a big high school night. Not many college games if any are played on Friday and so if you can work you will get games regardless of your overall schedule if you want to. In my area you cannot “big time” many of us because we know who is working and a college staff. My point is ego has not level. There are always guys that have an ego that is out of control or tries to make others feel lesser than. I guess it is ultimately how you deal with it.

Peace

It seems like this kind of became the annual thread where people want license to look and call all over the court. Oh boy! Yes, there are reasons and times to call out of our primary, but many people want an excuse to do it more than necessary. Also, isn't it a coincidence that it always happens on ball? When is the last time someone mentioned calling out of their primary for an off-ball call? Hmmm, I wonder why (cough, ball-watching, cough).

I agree with what others have said: four out of those five things don't matter when it comes to quality officiating.