Two of the eight officials that worked my tournament this weekend (in a "mixed crew") were from the same association (different than mine). Both stood right at the FTL Extended, and used a visible count on free throws, that started at their hip and extended above their shoulder. Neither wanted anything to do with a discussion about a less distracting count. My guess is that they are being tought this in their local association.

Is this something anyone else sees, and am I being too "persnickety" :) in asking our guys not to distract the shooter like that?

Blackhawk

Just a wrist flick is all that's needed.

Why are they standing FT line extended? How can they possibly see FT lane violations on the opposite side?

I've seen others do this, but parallel to the floor, similar to their 10-sec or 5-sec count. I think it's a bit distracting too, but so far, no one seems to care.

My count consists of the opening and closing of my left hand as my arm rests by my hip.

I think you should be as innocuous as possible with these counts, but to each his/her own, I guess.

BktBallRef~

That was almost exactly my comments to them. The only response was "That's the way we do it".

Luckily I didn't have to work with either of them. I think one could be a very good official if he would just loose the attitude. The other, IMO there isn't much hope for.

Blackhawk

Do they realize that the more visible their count, the more someone will want them to actually call this violation if they get to ten???!!!! ;)

I tend to stand at the top of the free throw circle and my count is a very inconspicuous flickof the wrist.