Selling Calls

[just another ref]

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 .

[Rich]

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.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Rich

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.

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.

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

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.

[Lcubed48]

Originally Posted by bas2456

Wondering if you agree with this notion or not:

"If you have to sell the call, you probably didn't get the call right"

That's a direct quote from a GSL softball officiating newsletter-ish thing. But the notion applies to all sports.

So in basketball, do you think that notion is true?

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.

[constable]

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.

[KCRC]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

Recently, I've found it rather amusing to watch pro baseball or college football on TV and observe an official emphatically making a call, which video replay shows to be incorrect! So what purpose did the hard "sell" serve? It didn't make the official correct.

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).

[Rob1968]

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 . . .

Originally Posted by Rob1968

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.

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by Rob1968

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 . . .

Originally Posted by AremRed

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".

[Rich]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

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.

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

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Rich

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

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

[Kansas Ref]

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.