Some of us officials, that are doing post-season, have been sitting around talking about what the evaluators can possibly "ding" us on at the tournaments.

In regards to fouls...one official stated that we should give the closed fist sign before we go to the player control sign. (He is backed up by this in the NFHS signal chart) But, many of us do not give the closed fist first, just right to the hand behind the head and then the direction we are going. (Trying not to close fist the direction like the women's mechanic)
What are some of your opinions on this particular item?

We talked about table side counting, not crossing your body with the directional signal, hand "flick" away from the FT shooter, etc.

Any other "little" items some of you can come up with would be appreciated to allow us to discuss.

Dude

Raising a fist on a player control foul is the proper mechanic. It allows you to make eye contact with a partner if there's a double whistle. It helps avoid the dreaded "blarge." My guess is that there's rarely a "blarge" when both officials raise a fist before giving their preliminary.

Agree on PC signal....call the foul first, then indicate type. Best reason, as BktBallRef stated is to give that split-second separation on a double whistle.

As far as signals, just keep them clean. Not crossing your body, etc is just a part of that. I've never been one to obsess on the table-side counting issue. As long as its clearly visible and neat, you're fine.

Most important things I believe in playoffs (well, anytime, but especially in the post-season) are clock and table awareness, and a patient whistle.

Make sure you polish your socks.

Iron your socks as well.

Here are a few more nit-picky questions:

1) Officials Manual, Pg. 44 275. "During the intermission between quarters...the Referee shall take a position with the ball at the division line on the sideline opposite the table indicating the direction of play with the placement of the ball."

What does "indicating the direction of play with the placement of the ball" mean? Ball on floor in direction of play? Ball in hand in direction of play? (Hard to use hand signal while holding ball in direction of play)

2) Concerning Technical Fouls...Do you switch on a T? Some Officials like to administer the foul shots that called the T, some do not.

3) Concerning the Jump Ball...Officials Manual Pg. 29 213. "The Umpire will go in the direction of the ball."
See Diagram 14 on Pg.28 Officials Manual

C'mon now, we all know the Referee almost ALWAYS stays as Trail, no matter which way the ball goes...don't we? ;)
(Seriously, I have pregamed the correct way before and my partners have looked at me with the "deer in the headlight" gaze.)

What say you on the above?

Dude

Fist in the air, bird dog, hand behind the head and then the direction we are going? Seems like alot for player control.

1) Facing table; ball on left or right hip.
2) Switch on all fouls; don't consider a "T" as special, consider it as just doing' bidness.
3) Try it; you'll like it. It's a very smooth mechanic.

No need to bird-dog or point direction on a PC foul. There's only one player in control of the ball, so no need to bird-dog him. Also, since the PC is always on the offense, no need to point, since we're obviously going "that way!"

For many years, I went directly to the PC signal, and didn't use a raised fist. I've come to the conclusion that the avoidance of the blarge is much more important than the instantaneous "sell" of giving the secondary signal immediately. Just my opinion.

Chuck

You gotta be thinking TC, now
 

NCAA Tourney Ref,
Uh,oh!
I just thought, ... I am not sure that I have bird-dogged all year. Hmmmm. :rolleyes:

By RookieDude
2) Concerning Technical Fouls...Do you switch on a T? Some Officials like to administer the foul shots that called the T, some do not.
___________________________________________

I think that they officials that like to administer their own T do so to get away from the sideline so they don't have to listen to the coach give him an earful about the call. I know it is not the proper method, so don't jump all over me telling me this is the wrong way. This is just the reason I've been given by the officials that do this.

Going "Opposite" accomplishes the same thing.

1) I agree with mick - facing table, ball on left or right hip.

2) We have the calling official put the ball in play opposite the table.

3) We like to have the umpire follow the ball on long tips, in some cases this means the referee will become the lead.

Just my humble opinion.
Blackhawk

[QUOTE]Originally posted by ChuckElias

Quote:

For many years, I went directly...

Chuck --

You are way too inexperienced to use the phrase, "For many years..." which makes your upcoming weekend all the more terrific!!

juulie

Realize, though, that administering the T means that when the ball goes the other way, you'll now be trail AND tableside. When the coach is teetering on the brink, I want to be acroww from the table during the T, and then down on the endline and away from the table when the ball is at the other end.