Ball becomes dead

[PSU213]

Originally posted by Bob M.
REPLY: The raised hand on a dead ball is an NFL technique. It's purpose is to alert the play clock (40 sec.) operator to start that clock. This weekend however, I was watching a college game where the crew also used this signal. I think that it might have been the Big East crew doing the Purdue-Syracuse game, but I'm not sure. Just my opinion...if the signal has no real purpose, I would say don't use it. Reason--by common usage, it's meant to indicate a dead ball. So if an official uses this signal, it is virtually the same as a whistle. And for NCAA rules (NCAA 4-1-2a), they say specifically that this signal or any signal which would normally accompany a dead ball (incomplete pass, TD, TB) is equivalent to blowing the whistle. Can only cause you grief. Just my humble opinion.

I agree, and just to follow up...the only reason to in some way "signal" (either with the hands or with a noise) in NCAA or NF ball is so that the players don't keep "playing" after the play is over. They will not be looking at you so giving the "hand up" signal is a waste of energy. Plus, some players choose to ingnore this whistle anyway, so giving a hand signal would not help.