Volleyball Referee Signals: A Guide to Understanding the Basics

As a volleyball player, it's essential to understand the various referee signals used during a match. These signals help players know what is happening on the court and can greatly improve their game experience. In this article, we will explore the basic one-handed and two-handed signals used by FIVB (International Volleyball Federation) referees.

One-Handed Signals

All one-handed signals are made with the hand towards the side of the team that made the error or request. This includes:

* DISQUALIFIED: Show both cards together to indicate disqualification due to a service fault.

* END OF MATCH/CROSS OVER: Cross the forearms in front of the chest, hands open, to signal the end of the match.

* BALL NOT TOSSED OR RELEASED AT THE SERVICE HIT: Lift the extended arm with the palm facing upwards to indicate that the ball was not tossed or released properly during service.

* DELAY IN SERVICE: Raise eight fingers, spread open, to indicate a delay in serving (usually 30 seconds).

* SUBSTITUTION: Make a circular motion of the forearms around each other to signal a substitution.

Two-Handed Signals

Two-handed signals are used to explain the reason for a call or penalty. These include:

* MISCONDUCT PENALTY OR EXPULSION: Show a yellow card to indicate a penalty, and then use another signal to explain the reason.

* AUTHORIZATION TO SERVE: Move your hand to indicate the direction of serve.

Additional Signals

Some additional signals are used throughout the match. These include:

* TEAM TO SERVE: Extend your arm to the side of the team that will serve.

* CHANGE OF COURTS: Raise your forearms front and back, then twist them around your body to signal a change of courts.

* TIME-OUT: Place your palm over your fingers, held vertically, to indicate a time-out.

Mastering these basic hand signals can greatly improve your volleyball experience. By understanding what each signal means, you'll be better equipped to respond to referee calls and penalties. Whether you're a player or a spectator, knowing the basics of volleyball referee signals is essential for enjoying the game at its best.

Volleyball referee signals 1 finger