LaxTV Forums | A Forum About The MCLA

Silly question - But how do you signal a goal? I've seen it done several ways...

I've seen lots of officials do the one arm signal while blowing the whistle running in toward the crease (perpendicular to the mid line).

And I've seen some officials blow the whistle, close on the crease, and then signal goal with both arms up while standing on the crease line parallel with the mid line.

Your thoughts?

Run in while blowing the whistle and holding one hand up to signal "dead ball." Stop at the side of the goal, standing on the GLE, and open up to the field so the benches can see the signal as I angle somewhat toward the bench. Hold both arms straight up for several seconds (at least 2-3).

Some people say to get the ball yourself, while others say to ask the GK to get it for you. Most GKs will just get it for you; I'll usually just pick it up if they don't unless it's buried in the back of the net, in which case I'll ask the goalie (politely!) to get it for me.

What does the mechanics manual say to do???

I'm with LaxRef, except I don't hold the one arm up signalling "dead ball".

Lax_Stats wrote:What does the mechanics manual say to do???

Goal Scored:
Upon the scoring of a goal, the Lead official blows his whistle and follows the ball to the goal crease line and signals goal. He should be on the crease line, goal line extended looking into the front crease area watching for any extracurricular activity. He should get there quickly and hold the goal signal for a two or three second count.
The Center official also moves in 7-10 yards in front of the crease area watching for late hits or any other trouble or situations. The Center official does NOT signal goal unless the Lead needs his help. He does not blow his whistle unless the Lead has not seen the ball enter the goal. One whistle on a goal is all that is required. Center should look for taunting, late hits, and Unsportsmanlike conduct fouls.
The Trail official moves onto the defensive clearing line and observes the whole field, looking for any abnormalities such as offside, too many men, etc., as well as late hits, taunting and unsportsmanlike behavior.

shrekjr wrote:I'm with LaxRef, except I don't hold the one arm up signalling "dead ball".

You should put one hand up whenever you blow the whistle to signal "dead ball."

Sonny wrote:Silly question - But how do you signal a goal? I've seen it done several ways...

Your thoughts?

I usually just give a subtle cheer or thumbs up to my player that scored. On rare occasion I will jump in excitement.

TSULacrosse wrote:

Sonny wrote:Silly question - But how do you signal a goal? I've seen it done several ways...

Your thoughts?

I usually just give a subtle cheer or thumbs up to my player that scored. On rare occasion I will jump in excitement.

Let's just hope you aren't an official!

Interesting how the mechanics manual siad nothing about holding up a single arm though.

Lax_Stats wrote:Interesting how the mechanics manual siad nothing about holding up a single arm though.

You're right. But the dead ball signal is in the rule manual.

So, LS, are you claiming that we aren't supposed to use one hand to signal dead balls, or just noting that the mechanics manual doesn't tell us to do so? Don't all of the NCAA officials do so?

LaxRef wrote:

Lax_Stats wrote:Interesting how the mechanics manual siad nothing about holding up a single arm though.

You're right. But the dead ball signal is in the rule manual.

So, LS, are you claiming that we aren't supposed to use one hand to signal dead balls, or just noting that the mechanics manual doesn't tell us to do so? Don't all of the NCAA officials do so?

No, one hand up to signal a dead ball is appropriate. But I have never once seen an official raise one hand up at anytime in any league to signal a dead ball on a goal. The scoring of the goal and both hands in the air signaling the goal pretty much signals that the ball is dead. To throw in an additional hand signal would be redundant IMHO.

Lax_Stats wrote:No, one hand up to signal a dead ball is appropriate. But I have never once seen an official raise one hand up at anytime in any league to signal a dead ball on a goal. The scoring of the goal and both hands in the air signaling the goal pretty much signals that the ball is dead. To throw in an additional hand signal would be redundant IMHO.

I agree. Most officials are laying on thier whistle pretty loud and long for a "goal whistle." I don't see how the timekeeper needs another visual there for a dead ball.

Lax_Stats wrote:

LaxRef wrote:

Lax_Stats wrote:Interesting how the mechanics manual siad nothing about holding up a single arm though.

You're right. But the dead ball signal is in the rule manual.

So, LS, are you claiming that we aren't supposed to use one hand to signal dead balls, or just noting that the mechanics manual doesn't tell us to do so? Don't all of the NCAA officials do so?

No, one hand up to signal a dead ball is appropriate. But I have never once seen an official raise one hand up at anytime in any league to signal a dead ball on a goal. The scoring of the goal and both hands in the air signaling the goal pretty much signals that the ball is dead. To throw in an additional hand signal would be redundant IMHO.

I'm not sure if this is what you're saying, but I was told in no uncertain terms to not signal goal until I was standing next to the goal (in other words, no running in with the arms already up, but run in, plant, and then signal). I'm not sure why you wouldn't give the dead ball signal when you blow the whistle since you won't be signalling the goal right away.

LaxRef wrote:

Lax_Stats wrote:

LaxRef wrote:

Lax_Stats wrote:Interesting how the mechanics manual siad nothing about holding up a single arm though.

You're right. But the dead ball signal is in the rule manual.

So, LS, are you claiming that we aren't supposed to use one hand to signal dead balls, or just noting that the mechanics manual doesn't tell us to do so? Don't all of the NCAA officials do so?

No, one hand up to signal a dead ball is appropriate. But I have never once seen an official raise one hand up at anytime in any league to signal a dead ball on a goal. The scoring of the goal and both hands in the air signaling the goal pretty much signals that the ball is dead. To throw in an additional hand signal would be redundant IMHO.

I'm not sure if this is what you're saying, but I was told in no uncertain terms to not signal goal until I was standing next to the goal (in other words, no running in with the arms already up, but run in, plant, and then signal). I'm not sure why you wouldn't give the dead ball signal when you blow the whistle since you won't be signalling the goal right away.

Well, for one I would be in position that I wouldn't be that far off the goal as to need to take more than a step or 2 in. LOL Tell you what, watch some games on CSTV and do what the big boys do. I'm betting you wont see a single official signal a dead ball and then signal a goal. if you signal a dead ball before you signal a goal, I think you could also run the risk of a coach asking you how you could call it a goal when you signaled that the ball was dead before you signaled a goal had been scored.

Lax_Stats wrote:Well, for one I would be in position that I wouldn't be that far off the goal as to need to take more than a step or 2 in. LOL

Well then I imagine that you'll find yourself right in the middle of the play action, which might annoy the players a bit. "LOL"