Ball becomes dead

[Texoma_LJ]

Back in the day, (dang I must be getting old), the association I belonged to schooled officials in this matter as a way to indicate that there was a dead ball, and it was quicker than getting a whistle blown. We were encouraged to use finger whistles even then. The thought process I believe was that by using a visual signal it didnt matter how loud a crowd was, where you were on the field, a coach knew what you were thinking immediately. If there was a pile up and forward progress was stopped and the ball came out. He knew by the hand going up that the ball was ruled dead.
I completely understand that a dead ball is a dead ball is a dead ball. This mechanic was used to let the coaches, fans, and pressbox know that, without the benefit of a whistle.