Signal School: National High School Edition

Course Outline and Goals

Course Goals

By the end of this course, officials will:

1. Master the majority of High School-approved signals.
2. Develop crisp, authoritative, and polished signals.
3. Build confidence in using both dominant and non-dominant hands.
4. Understand the importance of having an elite presentation of signals.
5. Improve overall officiating court presence and physical communication on the court.
6. Engage with a knowledgeable community to share progress and receive feedback.
7. Help others improve their signals and continuously refine their own techniques.

Big Picture Signal Tips:

• Professional Presentation: Develop new skills to enhance your overall presentation for a more professional appearance.
• Repetition: Practice each signal repeatedly to build muscle memory.
• Watch Film: Review game footage to identify areas for improvement.
• Mirror Practice: Use a mirror to see yourself as you signal and make necessary adjustments.
• Recording: Record yourself signaling on your phone and review the footage to break down your performance.
• Ambidextrous Skills: Develop skills with both arms and hands for more versatility and fluidness.
• Pop and Snap: Finish each signal with a crisp motion and strong ending.
• Use Outside Hand: Use the outside hand for signaling to avoid obstructing players.
• Tuck Fingers: Keep fingers tucked for a cleaner appearance.
• Shoulder-Level Signals: Keep signals at shoulder level for consistency and clarity.
• Project Strength: Project confidence and strength in your signals.
• Take Your Time: Slow down your signals for clarity and precision.

Detailed Signal Practice

Signals Covered:

1) Starting the Clock

• Quick Tip: Drop and flush the hand or use the fist chop.
• Practice: Like stabbing a wall.

2) Stopping the Clock for a Foul

• Quick Tip: Punching the sky with the bottom of the palm facing out.
• Practice: Right hand and left hand equal strength.

3) Directional Signals

• Quick Tip: Snapping every point with 1 finger.
• Practice: Both right and left hand signals, shoulder level.

4) Three-Second Violation

• Quick Tip: Stopping the clock, showing swooping three fingers 2-3x, and finish with strong point.
• Practice: Sequence of stopping, showing three, and pointing.

5) Traveling Violation

• Quick Tip: Close wrist rotations, strong point, and indicating spot.
• Practice: Three rotations, point, and indicate spot.

6) Double Dribble/Illegal Dribble

• Quick Tip: Chest to belly button alternating motion.
• Practice: Right and left hand signals.

7) Five-Seconds Closely Guarded Violation

• Quick Tip: Visible count, shoulder level, with fingers closed.
• Practice: Don't be in a rush to start the count.

8) Goal Counts

• Quick Tip: Subtle fist chop or two-finger flush motion.
• Practice: Fist stop, score goal, and different variations.

9) No Score/Wave Off

• Quick Tip: Shoulder level, one clean wipe.
• Practice: One-time strong wipe with sustained finish.

10) Three-Point Signal

• Quick Tip: Shoot up the hand in the sky, shoulder width for make.
• Practice: The transition from attempt to make.

11) Carrying/Palming

• Quick Tip: Pretend you have a ball and show the carry motion.
• Practice: Three slow carrys with strong directional point.

12) Hand Check

• Quick Tip: Chest level, hand to chest, extend out.
• Practice: Similar to a one-armed push.

13) Illegal Use of Hands

• Quick TIp: Low hit or raised hit signal.
• Practice: Proper forearm strike.

14) Pushing/Charging

• Quick Tip: Extended push motion, elbows in.
• Practice: Proper setup, execution, and reporting.

15) Technical Foul

• Technique: Arm across chest, solid T formation.
• Practice: Presenting an unemotional signal.

16) Blocking

• Technique: Fists to hips, staggered stance.
• Practice: Forget about the old school block. The modern version is a best practice.

17) Holding the Ball

• Technique: Up on a platter like a waiter.
• Practice: Demonstration and practice.

18) Hit to the Head

• Technique: Hand to head, clear and direct.
• Practice: Even though it's unnaproved in HS, using this signal is an absolute best practice and highly encouraged.

Additional Resources:

• Full-Length Signal School Sessions: Access to comprehensive training sessions.
• Signal Workout: A dedicated session for practicing all signals.
• Community Engagement: Submit your signal videos for feedback and coaching tips. Share your progress with a knowledgeable community and help others improve their signals.

Course Completion:

• Assessment: Demonstrate your ability to perform each signal accurately and confidently.
• Feedback: Receive personalized feedback on areas of improvement and strengths.
• Certification: Upon successful completion, receive a certificate acknowledging your mastery of NFHS signals.