If a player fails to provide service, the referee raises five fingers, spreads open his or her fingers, and signals the server. If a fault is committed, the referee will gesture with his palm to one hand, brushing the fingers of the other while holding his vertically held palm. As soon as the rally begins, the referee will raise both thumbs vertically to recognize the start.

The arm’s shoulder is straight out from the shoulder and parallel to the ground, indicating that the direction of service is set. The referee most commonly signals for the start of a rally by calling for service, which initiates each rally. The referee is at the center of the action because he or she provides direction and guidance throughout the match. It is also a valuable tool for spectators and participants to understand how the match plays out and how each rally ends. The use of whistles and volleyball hand signals keeps the game flow smooth. The Essential Role Of The Volleyball Referee This article will discuss the referee hand signals used in the volleyball game. While the rules of the game are the same, the specific hand signals used by referees vary from sport to sport, so coaches and players need to be familiar with the signals for the sport in which they are playing. The signals indicate the score when a point is awarded or lost, when a player has committed a foul, and when the game should begin and end. Referees use these signals to indicate to the players, coaches, and spectators what is happening on the court during the game. Hand signals, when used in conjunction with judgment calls, allow referees to communicate clearly with players, coaches, and fans alike, ensuring a fair and accurate game. Hand signals can also keep the game running smoothly and effectively, preventing unnecessary delays and confusion.

The referee uses his hand signal to initiate play and stop the timekeeper’s hands at volleyball games.Īs a quick and efficient method of communicating key decisions, they give spectators a sense of what is happening on the court. Hand signals have become an important part of the sports official ‘s job.įor example, the referee’s hand signal indicates the direction of the service, whether or not a team requests it, and what fault should be called. Hand signals are important for sports officials and cannot be overstated.

Volleyball official hand signals