Basketball Referee Signals

• The hand signals are the only official signals
• It is strongly recommended to verbally support communication to the scorer's table

Game Clock Signals

• Stop the clock signal uses an open palm
• Stop the clock for foul signal is signified by a clenched fist.
• Start the clock signal is a chop with the hand

Scoring

• 1 point is signaled by one finger, flagged from the wrist
• 2 points is signaled by two fingers, flagged from the wrist
• 3 points attempt is one arm with three fingers extended
• 3 points successful is both arms with three fingers extended

Substitution and Time-out

• Substitution is indicated using cross forearms
• Beckoning-in uses an open palm, waved towards the body
• Charged Timeout uses a "T" formation, showing the index finger
• Media Timeout requires open arms with clenched fists

Informative Signals

• Cancel score/play is a scissor-like action with arms, once across the chest
• Visible Count is counting while moving the palm

Direction of Play

• Communication is signaled by a thumb up
• Shot clock reset is rotating a hand, extending the index finger.
• Direction of play (out-of-bounds too) is signaled by pointing in direction of play, arm parallel to sidelines
• Held/jump ball situation is thumbs up, then point in direction of play using the alternating possession arrow

Violations

• Traveling is signaled by rotating fists
• Illegal dribble/double dribbling uses a patting motion with the palm
• Illegal dribble/carrying the ball uses half rotation with palm
• 3 seconds is signaled by an arm extended, showing 3 fingers
• 5 seconds is signaled by showing 5 fingers.
• 8 seconds is signaled by showing 8 fingers
• 24 seconds is signaled by touching fingers to the shoulder.
• Ball returned to backcourt is signaled by a wave of the arm in front of the body
• Deliberate foot ball is signaled by pointing to the foot

Number of Players

• Number 00 and 0 is signaled by both hands showing number 0
• Number 1 to 5 is signaled by the right hand showing numbers 1 to 5
• Number 6 to 10 is signaled by the right hand showing number 5, and the left hand showing numbers 1 to 5
• Number 11 to 15 is signaled by the right hand clenched fist, and the left hand showing numbers 1 to 5
• Number 16 is signaled by the first reverse hand showing number 1 for the decade digit, then open hands showing number 6 for the units digit
• Number 24 is signaled by the first reverse hand showing number 2 for the decade digit, then the open hands show number 4 for the units digit
• Number 40 is signaled by the first reverse hand showing number 4 for the decade digit, then an open hand showing 0 for the units digit
• Number 62 is signaled by the first reverse hands showing number 6 for the decade digit, then an open hand shows 2 for the units digit
• Number 78 is signaled by the reverse hands showing number 7 for the decade digit, then open hands show number 8 for the units digit
• Number 99 is signaled by the first reverse hands showing number 9 for the decade digit, then the open hands show number 9 for the units digit

Types of Fouls

• Holding is indicated by grasping wrist downward
• Blocking (defense) / illegal screen (offense) is shown by both hands on the hips
• Pushing or charging without the ball is shown by imitating a push
• Hand-checking is signaled by grabbing the palm and a forward motion
• Illegal Use of Hands is shown by striking the wrist
• Charging with the ball is shown with a clenched fist striking an open palm
• Illegal Contact to the Hand is demonstrated by striking the palm towards the other forearm
• Excessive Swinging of Elbow is indicated by swinging the elbow backwards
• Hit to the Head is imitating contact to the head
• Foul by team in control of the ball is shown by pointing a clenched fist towards the basket of the offending team
• Foul on the act of shooting is indicated by one arm with a clenched fist, followed by indication of the number of free throws
• A foul not on the act of shooting is signaled by one arm with a clenched fist, followed by pointing to the floor.

Special Fouls

• Double foul is signaled by waving clenched fists on both hands
• Technical Foul is indicated by "T" formation, showing the palms
• Unsportsmanlike foul is grasping the wrist upward
• Disqualifying foul is extending clenched fists on both hands

Foul Penalty Administration

• After a foul without free throws is signaled by pointing in the direction of play with the arm parallel to the sidelines, while located at the table.
• After a foul by the team in control of the ball is signaled by a clenched fist in the direction of play with the arm parallel to the sidelines.
• 1 free throw is signaled by holding up 1 finger
• 2 free throws is signaled by holding up 2 fingers
• 3 free throws is signaled by holding up 3 fingers

Administrating Free Throws – Active Official (Lead)

• 1 free throw is signaled by 1 finger horizontal
• 2 free throws is signaled by 2 fingers horizontal
• 3 free throws is signaled by 3 fingers horizontal

Administrating Free Throws – Passive Official (Trail & Centre)

• 1 free throw is signaled by the index finger
• 2 free throws is signaled by fingers together on both hands
• 3 free throws is signaled by 3 fingers extended on both hands