Things Officials Should Probably Not Be Saying In A Game ...

Originally Posted by Rob1968

NFHS Officials Manual, 2.2 PUTTING THE BALL IN PLAY 2.2.2 C End Line 5. states ; "When the clock is stopped, use the proper verbal and visual signal to indicate whether a spot throw-in or running the end line privileges are in effect." - Signal 26 = Spot Throw-in, Signal 23 = Run End Line.

I say "SPOT THROW" while pointing to the spot (Signal 26). I say "YOU HAVE BASELINE/ENDLINE" while motioning back and forth (Signal 23).

Originally Posted by BillyMac

The recent thread on rules regarding the jump ball to start the game has given me an idea for an article for our local board's newsletter. The working title is, "Things Officials Should Probably Not Be Saying In A Game".

I want concentrate on things that officials often, or sometimes, say during a game that do not have any basis in the rules.

Perhaps include a section including "mechanics officials should probably not being doing during a game".

Like my signal letting my partners know which teams are in the single/double bonus. Or doing whatever this guy is doing.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by AremRed

Perhaps include a section including "mechanics officials should probably not being doing during a game".

Like my signal letting my partners know which teams are in the single/double bonus.

Why would communicating with your partners be something that an official should not be doing?

[BLydic]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Why would communicating with your partners be something that an official should not be doing?

I thought the same thing until I checked out the video.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by BLydic

I thought the same thing until I checked out the video.

The video is about an over-the-top block mechanic. the statement was about telling your partner(s) that a team is in the bonus so you are less likely to forget the shooter on the next foul. Or, I mis-read it or the link is wrong.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

The video is about an over-the-top block mechanic. the statement was about telling your partner(s) that a team is in the bonus so you are less likely to forget the shooter on the next foul. Or, I mis-read it or the link is wrong.

Exactly. Reminding my partner(s) of the pending bonus situation is expected here, and it's just good practice. It's done subtly, so no one really knows what we're doing.

Telling everyone in the gym that you saw a clean block? I'd avoid that.

Some communication is good. Other communication can get you in trouble.

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Why would communicating with your partners be something that an official should not be doing?

I agree with you. I only say that because I was admonished by a leader in my association not to use that signal.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by AremRed

I agree with you. I only say that because I was admonished by a leader in my association not to use that signal.

Did the leader give a reason? Did the leader give an alternative?

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Did the leader give a reason? Did the leader give an alternative?

I was using it during play. The gym did not have a team foul indicator on the scoreboard, and one team was holding for the final shot of the period. I knew the defense was at 6 fouls, so I used that signal.

I had asked this guy to stick around and watch our crew, as he had just finished his game. He asked me what was with the "hook 'em horns" signal. I told him and he said don't do that. No alternative or explanation given.

To be fair, I had just finished watching NBA playoff ball and that was a signal I saw them using in those situations. Probably not the best idea to incorporate signals from the NBA game.