Communication signal

[johnny1784]

Does anyone use a NFHS communication signal for LJ and HL when a ball carrier is running down the sideline? Was told to use punch signal, extended arm to indicate a player with ball is inbounds while running down sideline. If your association uses this communication signal (not referring to "last play was out of bounds" or "backward pass" or "player nearest wing is off line of scrimmage") then include the reasons why they are using such a signal and what is the main purpose.

[daggo66]

Why in the world would you need to signal that he is inbounds during the play? As soon as he goes out, you blow the whistle, face the sideline, and stop the clock. I can't possibly imagine how silly you would look running down the sideline with you arm extended.

[johnny1784]

Originally Posted by daggo66

Why in the world would you need to signal that he is inbounds during the play? As soon as he goes out, you blow the whistle, face the sideline, and stop the clock. I can't possibly imagine how silly you would look running down the sideline with you arm extended.

I thought the exact same thing but I missed a meeting and was told meeting advised officials to use it during a game. Maybe this game official misunderstood what was spoken at our associations meeting.

[OverAndBack]

That's odd. If you haven't signaled to stop the clock, it's pretty obvious he's in bounds.

[Warrenkicker]

On a play down the sideline that ends in the end zone we will provide a thumbs-up signal or something similar so BJ knows we don't have a spot down the sideline and he can signal TD. Of course the argument against that is that blowing the whistle and waving your arms is a very clear signal that the ball carrier went OOB. But BJ always waits for us to not kill the play prior to signaling TD. We don't use this signal the entire distance down the sideline, just at the point when the carrier enters the end zone.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Warrenkicker

On a play down the sideline that ends in the end zone we will provide a thumbs-up signal or something similar so BJ knows we don't have a spot down the sideline and he can signal TD. Of course the argument against that is that blowing the whistle and waving your arms is a very clear signal that the ball carrier went OOB. But BJ always waits for us to not kill the play prior to signaling TD. We don't use this signal the entire distance down the sideline, just at the point when the carrier enters the end zone.

Or the R, if it's a punt return, interception return, or fumble return. I always wait for a thumbs up from the wing.

[w_sohl]

make eye contact with my BJ and nod if he is in, otherwise I am signaling the OB spot.