Goalline coverage and communication

[BoBo]

OK we had a situation tonight in a freshman game that did not go over very well with the visiting team.

A10 is on a qb sneak.

big pile up and initial surge is stopped he then rolls and reaches the the ball across the goalline.

Our umpire sees the ball cross and holds his arm up with one fist in the air. The back judge also sees the ball cross.

Because of the big pile the wing guys having trouble see the ball.

Finally line judge sees the umpire and blows his whistle and arms up touchdown.

Well while the time it took for the LJ to see the U signal the defense has no grabbed the ball and B47 is running alone at the 12 heading the other way.

I see the TD signal as the WH and blow the whistle.

We conference and give A the TD.

Explain the scenario to the visiting coach. He was not happy but behave very well.

We are told that the umpire should never signal with the conventional TD signal but rather put his fist in the air.

Questions for you guys.

1. Should the U blow his whistle?

2. Should the U just give the TD signal and whistle?

3.Is there a way that you and crew handle this that would help us avoid this problem?

I know we got the call correct just wanted it to go alot more smoothly.

Help