Originally Posted by Texas Aggie (Post 573820)

I don't know about Mass., but Texas HS has not adopted the 40/25 clock rule. We use the 2005 timing rules and probably will indefinitely. However, our wings typically raise a hand to eye or possibly top of the head level (as opposed to straight up like a basketball official signaling a violation) with the next down. I'm not sure its an actual mechanic, but its something we've done for a while.

Originally Posted by Blue37 (Post 573727)

Once everything has settled down, and the teams are on their side of the LOS, I will most definitely turn my back to the field to ensure the chain crew is properly positioned. The R, U, and BJ can keep things under control while the teams are huddled.

Originally Posted by DesertZebra (Post 573729)

Again, not trying to be an a-hole, but you really should not turn your back to the field. If you're concerned about your chains, a little turn of the head (and an effective pre-game) can solve that. It's really pretty simple.

Originally Posted by Robert Goodman (Post 573755)

This is funny because at one time (before the current rules re the play clock) it was only in H.S. games (some Fed, some not) that I saw such a signal routinely given. I'm sure it's appreciated by deaf players. It's the oldest signal in football.

What happened to the live ball possession signal? Used to be that when the ball was turned over during a down, and at other times when there might be confusion over possession, officials would immediately point toward the attacking end line. Of course that was at a time when there was a big difference between what the offense and defense could do with their hands. It was distinguished from a "new series" signal by its absence of the opposite hand pointing straight up with 1 finger.

Robert in the Bronx

Originally Posted by Blue37 (Post 573546)

We use the raised hand to indicate "I have a progress spot." It is hard for the end men to see each other through the pile, but you can see the raised hand. If they both have it up, one defers to the other so we do not have two different spots.

Edited to add:
The only time we indicate the down over our heads is if the ball came loose and the offense recovered.

As to your question on transition, I would drop my hand as, or before, I turned. As I was going to the sideline, I would give the down at eye level, not over my head. Personally, I would look goofy jogging toward the sideline with my hand over my head.

Originally Posted by Robert Goodman (Post 574129)

I tell all sideline personnel never to turn their backs to the field while the game is on, but to backpedal with hands out front to protect themselves if play comes toward them.

Robert in the Bronx

Originally Posted by jaybird (Post 574141)

Huh?
Protect themselves from what? I don't understand.
They should be backpedaling to the sideline after the ball is spotted, arriving about, or shortly after, the RFP.
Backpedaling with your hands out in front of yourself would be a pretty unnatural motion that would seem awkward at best.