Umpire Signal?
 

In one of the recent ESPN HS games I saw the umpire signal (a punch back) for a pass that occured behind the LOS. Is this common practice out there? and if so, does it ever get confusing when the wings are signaling back or forward as well?

Yesterday the U flew a flag for illegal motion. Go figure. (Ohio vs Texas) And the R was 20 yards deep.

Wow!! To posters 1 and 2!

First, no it is not common. Second, why would anyone signal forward?

As a 14 year veteran
 

I've been officiating 14 years and Umpire on my varsity crew for 11. On a pass play the only signal I give is on a tip pass. On the short dump pass right over the middle I'll turn to assist quickly and if incomplete give the signal. Typically though on a pass play I could care less if the QB throws a lateral or a backward pass.

He might have been trying to let the rest of the crew know the pass did not cross the neutral zone.
I seem to recall Umpires doing so in some Dii/iii collegiate games.

this is what I was eluding to, not whether the pass was forward/backward. has anyone seen, or use it frequently in 5 man?