"Unofficial" signals
 

Any rule set really, but specifically NFHS. What unofficial signals do you use? Are there ones you avoid? This could include anything from signals after fouls to communication signals between partners.

I avoid the foul tip like the plague on blocked shots.

We communicate that we're in the bonus once we get to the sixth team foul.

IAABO stuff
 

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Connecticut is 100% IAABO, and this is not an official IAABO signal. We're a bunch of rebels here in the Land Of Steady Habits. In fact, were more like a motorcycle gang than an officiating organization.

Tapping one's chest is the IAABO signal that one has the coverage on the last shot. It's not in the official IAABO signal chart, but it is in the IAABO mechanics manual, so you decide if it's an "official," or "unofficial", IAABO signal.

Veteran old timers, here in my little corner of Connecticut, will, during a break in the action, extend their arm, with a fist, toward their partner, and rotate their fist clockwise, and counterclockwise, in a ratcheting manner. This is our secret code for, "It's getting a little too physical out here. Let's tighten it up a little". Of course, now that I've told you, I'm going to have to kill you.

Here in my little corner of Connecticut, we use these three signals, even though they're not in the stupid official IAABO signal chart.

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http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3690/1...02b33417_m.jpg

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Delayed dead ball is a signal under NF rules. If you use NF rules, then that would be appropriate.

I have been known to use the "tip signal" on out of bounds play. I have also used the "Gator chop" on held balls that were topped by a defender. No one has ever cared either way.

Peace

Stupid IAABO Mechancs Manual ...
 

Please don't get me started. I don't know why IAABO switched from NFHS mechanics to IAABO mechanics to begin with.

I am not talking about switching, just stating that signal is in the rulebook. It is not a "special" mechanic to a state or organization, this was in the actual rulebook, not the mechanics book. Or is this something they leave out with those combined books?

Peace

Again, Stupid IAABO Signal Chart ...
 

IAABO members do not get an actual NFHS rulebook, just the IAABO version of War and Peace, a combined IAABO handbook, NFHS rulebook (without a NFHS signal chart), NFHS casebook, an IAABO Two Person manual, an IAABO Three Person manual, and an IAABO signal chart. We have been instructed to only use official IAABO high school signals, but, as I said earlier, we're a bunch of rebels here in the Constitution State.

In HS, I will use "hit to the head", "knee", and "hook / wrap" as additional signals after illiegal use of hands, push, hold when reporting to the table.

When communicating information with my partners, the last thing I'm worrying about is whether or not it is an "official" signal.

Billy is right, IAABO states don't get NFHS rule books, we get IAABO books tht are basically reprinted NFHS books with their (IAABO) own signal charts; but it all comes down to where you work. I wasn't even aware the delayed dead ball signal isn't in the book. We use it here, and by no means would I consider going over-the-top and call us "rebels." :rolleyes:

Once Again, Stupid IAABO Signals ...
 

How about the five second throw in violation, and the intentional foul excessive contact, signals?

I've never used the excessive contact signal; the only reason I even know it exists is because of the interwebs. The five second throw in violation, like the delayed dead ball signal, is something I didn't realize wasn't in the book. I admit I don't read the signal chart anymore. Maybe I should.

Warning, off-topic response.

What a lovely avatar you have. :D

Hard Foul ...
 

I probably only use the intentional foul excessive contact call once, or twice, a season. It's a great tool to have in your tool belt.

It's perfect for the defensive player, who is going for a block, but in a reckless manner, and knocks the shooter four rows into the bleachers. We have been taught to state, "Hard foul", along with the arms down signal.

This will often prevent some of our more knowledgeable coaches from questioning us about his player, "Going for the ball". It also helps with the less knowledgeable coaches who still question us about his player, "Going for the ball", when we can defuse the situation with a simple, "I called a hard foul coach". Of course, some coaches lack any rational reasoning ability, and no signal, or mechanic, is going to defuse the situation, in which case we can offer to serve the coach some tea. "One lump, or two, coach?"

Interesting, because whenever I make any signal not listed in the book during a camp or observation I get dinged for it.