What phrases/actions are used when reffing but are incorrect

[SHellmueller]

Okay, I've got a couple:

Using a variation of the "illegal use of hands" signal to indicate exacly HOW the player was fouled. I see NCAA refs often give this signal as if they are replaying the foul for the table to see (smack their elbow, upper arm, whatever).

Pointing to the table instead of chopping the time in always annoys me. The only time I point to the table is while I'm winking at the attractive timekeeper.

Even though it's an NCAA mechanic, I hate the "not-closely-guarded" signal. I see it in NF sometimes, and it looks like the ref is saying "I have no idea what's going on." My thought is, if I'm not counting, he/she's not closely guarded.

This last one's up for discussion, but I'll put it here anyway. The signal for "basket counts," for a BI, goal-tend, or foul on the shooter situation. I've seen some really weird stuff here. Seems like some refs get to "enthusiatic" with the call, I guess to sell it. It almost looks as if they are celebrating the goal along with the scoring team.