I don't see a need to sell anything. Rather, I think it is best to keep the same demeanor on every call. Obviously, this is more animated for some than others. Personally, I like to keep a low profile with signals .

A close block/charge. One is going to emphasize that decision differently than a routine out of bounds call.

Like it or not, that's selling the call.

Confidence ...
 

I'm not sure that there really is a good bad call, but my former local interpreter used to say that "The best bad call is a strong bad call". I believe that he meant that if an official is always making confident calls, signals, voice, posture, etc., that he may be able to get away with an occasional bad call that a wishy washy signal, voice, or posture, wouldn't get away with.

I ascribe to that also. When you make a questionable call, display and report it with the same confidence as your best call.

I also umpire softball, and I must respectively disagree with that statement. I don't see any difference - a close play (block/charge - safe/out) is a close play, and it may need to be sold.

Certain calls need to be sold. A close block/charge is the first thing that comes to mind. Selling a call every so often helps convey conviction. I have seen officials in a b/c situation call it as if it was a routine oob call and coaches eat them up. Selling the occasional call lets everyone know you had it and had it all the way.

I also do baseball so this softball logic baffles me.... a banger at first base, a tag at the plate often need to be sold.

See "sold" OOB call reversed by monitor review with 8 seconds left in 2nd half of South Dakota St - North Dakota St. Summit League Championship Game last night (ESPN2).

NFHS Officials Manual 2.5.1 D. Officials should be professional in the use of the signals and should not attempt to draw attention to themselves by use of unapproved, enphatic or theatrical signals. (italics added)

Dear Mr. Crawford, . . . oh, never mind . . .

I doubt he referees under NFHS rules very often.

I have been around Joey C and Teddy V multiple times. First thing they'll tell young officials is, "you cannot do what I do".

A wishy-washy 100% correct call can lead people to have doubt, too.

The Two C's ...
 

Good point. It's all about confidence, and consistency.

One of my ref partners does the "Push" signal/mechanic several times per incident to emphasize/sell the call. Sort of looks like a dance move as she demonstratively does the open handed push movement 3 or 4 times in rapid succession at the spot of the foul--but only once when reporting tableside. I just do one emphatic "open handed" push signal. Yet, she does what she does--evryone seems to get the point.