"Everybody Look at Me!"

[bainsey]

Originally Posted by NoFussRef

Agreed, we emphasize delaying preliminary signals on block/charge, we train newbies to s-l-o-w down, get the call right, and wait a second between whistle and signal so that the attention of players, coaches, and partners has focused on you.

That's what I was taught.

One of the reasons I was taught to slow down block/charge is that it has a "calming effect on the gym." I wonder if this is always true.

For example, let's say you have a charge. Whistle and fist up, wait for it, hand behind neck. Often times, the effect isn't so calm when the crowd clearly (albeit wrongly) is expecting a blocking signal, and the reaction is far from calm. I wonder if a quicker move from the fist to the charge signal would be a better sell. That intended effect of slowing down could backfire, from what I've seen.

Thoughts from the vets?

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by bainsey

That's what I was taught.

One of the reasons I was taught to slow down block/charge is that it has a "calming effect on the gym." I wonder if this is always true.

For example, let's say you have a charge. Whistle and fist up, wait for it, hand behind neck. Often times, the effect isn't so calm when the crowd clearly (albeit wrongly) is expecting a blocking signal, and the reaction is far from calm. I wonder if a quicker move from the fist to the charge signal would be a better sell. That intended effect of slowing down could backfire, from what I've seen.

Thoughts from the vets?

My thought is to just make your signals the same way you've been doing it all game. A lot of times, not selling a call sells that call better than putting on a show. If you make the call in a clear, competent and confident way, the call will sell itself.

JMO