I tend to lock in on the gaggle chasing the bouncing ball.

Because you both look bad if someone else calls something contrary to what the signal implies.

It is no different than one official visually indicating that the player got ball while another is blowing their whistle for a foul. Call infractions, not legal plays,....if you partner looks to you for information, signal it, but not unsolicited.

You are also telling each team information that may affect how they chose to play the ball...which is unfair.


What you describe has nothing to do with preventative officiating.

Makes sense, I'll try it that way.

I'll also add that I will use those signals after the play in response to a question by a coach about why I did or did not make a call a certain way.

I'm across the court, coach says "Wasn't that over-and-back"...I'll respond with the tip signal at that point if I feel that the point that caused the question.