Understanding Referee Hand Signals in Volleyball: A Guide for Players and Coaches

In volleyball, referees play a crucial role in ensuring that the game is played fairly and within the rules. One of the ways they do this is by using hand signals to communicate with players and coaches on the court. In this article, we will explore the different referee hand signals used in volleyball, including what each signal means and how it can impact the game.

The Basics

Before we dive into the specifics of referee hand signals, it's important to understand the basic rules of out-of-bounds plays in volleyball. A ball is considered 'out' when it lands completely outside the boundary line, while a ball that lands on an area inside the court is considered 'in.' These rules are crucial for understanding why referees make certain decisions during games.

The Line Judge's Role

In volleyball, there are two types of judges: the center referee and the line judge. The line judge is responsible for determining whether a ball is in or out of bounds, as well as identifying faults such as foot faults and antenna violations. To do this, they use a variety of hand signals that convey specific information to players and coaches.

Common Referee Hand Signals

Here are some of the most common referee hand signals used in volleyball:

* VIEW OF PLAY BLOCKED: When the line judge raises both arms and crosses them in front of their chest with palms facing their bodies, it means that they have lost sight of the ball or cannot see a particular play.

* FOOT FAULT or SERVICE LINE FAULT: If the line judge waves the flag over their head while pointing to the service area with their index finger, extending their arm at shoulder height, it indicates a foot fault or service line fault.

* ANTENNAE VIOLATION: When the line judge points towards the antennae while waving the flag over their head, it means that there has been an antenna violation.

* TOUCH: If the line judge brings the flag in front of their body to their shoulder level and keeps the other hand's open palm on the flag, it indicates a touch or contact with the ball.

* OBTAINING FIRST REFEREE'S ATTENTION: When the line judge raises the flag over their head and waves it, it means that they are seeking the attention of the first referee.

* OUT-OF-BOUNDS: If the line judge extends an arm and raises the flag, it indicates that a ball is out-of-bounds.

* INBOUNDS: When the line judge points towards the middle of the court with the flag down, it means that a ball is inbounds.

Understanding referee hand signals is crucial for players and coaches to ensure that they are aware of the rules and can make informed decisions during games. By familiarizing themselves with these common hand signals, players and coaches can better communicate with referees and avoid misunderstandings on the court.

Referee hand signals in volleyball