Volleyball Referee Hand Signals

Referees' Official Hand Signals

• Authorization to Serve:

  • The hand moves to indicate the direction of service.

• Team to Serve:

  • The arm extends to the side of the team that will serve.

• Change of Courts:

  • The forearms raise front and back and twist around the body.

• Time-out:

  • Place the palm of one hand over the fingers of the other, held vertically (forming a T), indicating the requesting team.

• Substitution:

  • A circular motion occurs between the forearms.

• Misconduct Warning:

  • A yellow card shows for warning.

• Misconduct Penalty:

  • A red card shows for the penalty.

• Expulsion:

  • Both cards show jointly.

• Disqualification:

  • Red and yellow cards show separately.

• End of Set (or Match):

  • The forearms cross in front of the chest, with hands open.

• Ball Not Tossed or Released at the Service Hit:

  • The extended arm lifts, with the palm facing upwards.

• Delay in Service:

  • Eight fingers raise, spread open.

• Blocking Fault or Screening:

  • Both arms raise vertically, palms forward.

• Positional or Rotational Fault:

  • Make a circular motion with the forefinger.

• Ball "In":

  • Arm and fingers point toward the floor.

• Ball "Out":

  • The forearms raise vertically, with hands open and palms towards the body.

• Catch:

  • Forearm slowly lifts, with the palm facing upwards.

• Double Contact:

  • Two fingers raise, spread open.

• Four Hits:

  • Four fingers raise, spread open.

• Net Touched by Player - Served Ball Touches the Net:

  • Indicate the relevant side of the net with the corresponding hand.

• Reaching Beyond the Net:

  • A hand places above the net, with the palm facing downwards.

• Attack Hit Fault:

  • A downward motion happens with the forearm, hand open.

• Penetration Into the Opponent Court:

  • Point to the center line or relevant line.

• Double Fault and Replay:

  • Raise both thumbs vertically.

• Ball Touched:

  • Brush the palm of one hand against the fingers of the other, held vertically.

• Delay Warning/Delay Penalty:

  • The wrist covers with a yellow card (warning) and with a red card (penalty).

Line Judges’ Official Flag Signals

• Ball "In":

  • Point down with the flag.

• Ball "Out":

  • Raise the flag vertically.

• Ball Touched:

  • Raise the flag and touch the top with the palm of the free hand.

• Crossing Space Faults, Ball Touched an Outside Object, or Foot Fault:

  • Wave the flag over the head and point to the antenna or respective line.

• Judgment Impossible:

  • Raise and cross both arms and hands in front of the chest.