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The message of your mechanics and signals

An officials’ style often depicts his attitude and approach toward his officiating habits and toward the game. You must be aware of the constant messages you send out to others with every one of your moves. An official who effectively uses the appropriate mechanics and signals together appears to be a well-rounded official and that appearance is critical toward acceptance.

Mechanics simply allow officials to be in the proper position (angle and distance) to make a call. Signals lets everyone know what that decision is. While often thought of as simple tasks, they are sometimes difficult to master. Repetition and experience are vital.Effective communicators do not deviate from set standards or make up their own mechanics or signals. You do not want to be an innovator. Take note of what officials do in your area and do your best to conform.

‘Bounce.’

A good official who uses proper mechanics and effective signals adds one more characteristic to his appearance: bounce. It is difficult to define, but you know it when you see it. You’ve probably noticed minor league or top collegiate umpires, high-level basketball officials – the good ones have bounce.It is an athletic-looking self-projection that tones a more streamline, professional image. Officials who have bounce appear to exude higher levels of self confidence and relaxation. Bounce is a form of relaxed movement that is neither lazy nor rushed and is associated with hustle. It is the midway point between being robotic and extremely flamboyant.

When practicing bounce, imagine your running surface is like a sprung hardwood floor, with just enough resistance to allow for athletic-type movements. Officials who have bounce will often trot or pounce rather than just run and set up for a call. In short, they look athletic. Their motions are deliberate, yet they have swagger. Officials who have bounce are perceived as being mentally in the game, enthusiastic and interested.

The five ‘C’s’. When setting up for and making a call, follow the five C’s: Crisp, Clear, Consistent, Communicative and Confident. All five elements must be present to increase your chances of your call becoming accepted. Work on each of the five elements individually, then incorporate them into the total package.

Advanced signals. As you move up the officiating ladder and are exposed to more veteran officials, you’ll notice other signals that aren’t a part of the list of "approved" signals. Incorporating additional signals is a sign of advancement and a better understanding of the game. However, proceed with caution. You do not want to make up more signals just for the sake of doing so; any additional signals must have a specific purpose and must be accepted by the other officials in your area. You don’t want to be inventive, you simply want to be more communicative.

Before moving onward to those advanced techniques, master the fundamentals by remembering that you want your calls to be noticed and interpreted easily. Make your calls clear, consistent, decisive and visible. Put some bounce into it!

Written by Tyler Hoffman, a former minor league umpire.