Signals are an important part of officiating so we should all try and perform them right every time.

This Rule Review segment is reviewing plays involving signals. This video is dedicated to educating basketball officials on understanding what signals to use and what signals to avoid. Watching actual videos of plays involving signals, along with some basic instruction explaining why certain signals are good or bad, helps officials learn faster and retain information better. We can all learn together by continually discussing the rules as they are written in the NFHS rules book and viewing actual high school basketball games reinforces that learning.
Because signals and mechanics is a point of emphasis for the NFHS for the 2021/2022 basketball season it important we all try to get on the same page with a proper understanding of what is required to correctly signal a foul or violation when we sound our whistle. All too often officials use unapproved signals to convey information about what happens on the court which seems like a good idea but many times those signals have unintended meanings. This will be the focus of this Rule Review segment. All video clips we reference in this segment on screens come from high school games and focus solely on the NFHS high school rules book.
Video #1
- A shot goes up and the ball misses. During the rebounding action a foul is called and the official gives a signal that indicates it is on the ground. But this isn't an approved signal. Watch to hear the explanation of this video.
Video #2
- There is a last second shot with a possibility of contact but the official gives a very clear signal showing the ball was tipped. When the ball falls short, he waves his hands signaling the quarter is over. Let's discuss what just happened.
Video #3
- A drive to the basket ends in a foul being called, but the signal that is given is unclear. Was it a hold or intentional foul? Giving signals properly is important for all watching. Find out why.
Video #4
- When performing signals after a foul, there is a proper sequence to follow. This video reviews that sequence for both preliminary signals and reporting procedures.
Watching video clips is a good way to stay connected to the skill of officiating basketball but true education and learning can more effectively be attained when each video is annotated with diagrams and shading to point out key teaching points.
The Officials Institute, and the Rule Review segment, creates videos that don't leave you guessing about whether there was a foul, violation or not. Even though we cannot officiate in slow motion or freeze frames, by watching and reviewing video video in this fashion, we are able to "retrain our brain" so we can start seeing plays more accurately when we do see them in real time and increase our ability to get the call right.
#signals
#basketballsignals
#officiaitingmechanics
#basketballrules
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All rules referenced in this video are taken from the official rules book provided by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). To find out more about the NFHS, you can visit them at nfhs.org/

[@ericwilson4901]

This is a good video!! Thanks

[@OfficialsInstitute]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@bballref7086]

Being a Big Big opponent of using Crisp Correct Signals, I really enjoyed this video..Which more of us would put more work and effort into signal presentation.

[@OfficialsInstitute]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@antwanthorogood4921]

You fight against crisp correct signals? 🤔

[@suckablowfish]

Think he meant proponent..

[@davidwurbel6610]

I am noticing more confusion with the elimination of the punch signal and the use of the hand behind the head for both player control and team control foul change. Players and coaches do not respond to the hand behind the head signal. I have been asked "what did you call?" a few times when only using the hand behind head signal. Usually, the response from the players, coaches and fans come after I point the opposite direction. I feel that NFHS should have eliminated the behind the head signal and made the punch signal for both.

[@OfficialsInstitute]

I agree the change seems unnatural and confusing, however, many changes have this affect until it has a few years to become "normal." Let's do the best we can sticking with it and reconvene in a few years to see how it's conformed.

[@robgray_]

great video

[@OfficialsInstitute]

Thanks, and thanks for watching.

[@999954387]

in regards to end of quarter procedures, i was taught that the center uses the stop clock signal at the end of each quarter.

[@OfficialsInstitute]

Putting your hand up with the "stop clock" signal is not necessary as there is no clock to stop. Many have also been taught to blow their whistle after the horn blows but this is not necessary either. Neither of these procedures are listed in the officials manual or the rules book. Rule 5.6.2 "Each quarter or extra period ends when the signal illuminates or sounds indicating time has expired."

[@jdub39182]

@@OfficialsInstitute Getting officials to believe you don’t have to blow the whistle and signal the end of quarter is like pulling teeth. They do not believe it. Lol.

[@niktheref]

Is this an NFHS thing to have a preliminary signal? FIBA we'll only show at the spot of the foul for block/charge. My tip for the last guy is this: have your number before you jog away to report. It looks weak having to look back through the crowd for who you called the foul on. If you gotta stay in your calling position an extra second or two to see your number, do that instead.

[@OfficialsInstitute]

Yes, all these videos reference NFHS rules and mechanics. Great tip. Thanks for your input. And thanks for watching.

[@clydecanales8525]

I attended a basketball clinic in Gaylord Michigan this summer.. The clinicians ask me to stop signalling all fouls except block or charge..

[@OfficialsInstitute]

what?!!??!!

[@isaiahl9183]

What would be the correct thing to do in these plays? #1 - Wave off the shot and point to the throw in spot? #2 - What would be the correct way to end each quarter? #3 - Just needs to have a clearer "hit" signal? #4 - Nice mechanics! --- bonus comment...(travel first? Then maybe offensive basket interference?)

[@OfficialsInstitute]

1) There was no goal to wave off so that signal is not necessary. Signal what foul occurred and point to the throw-in spot. 2) Nothing. The horn and/or illumination of the light signals the quarter end. 3) The "illegal use of hands" signal should be lower. 4) Neither of those seem to be apparent. Thanks for watching.

[@ronaldfowler9456]

Last Clip was not a foul

[@OfficialsInstitute]

But how was the foul reporting sequence?