All one-handed signals are made with the hand toward the side of the team which made the error or request.It is easy and well worth the effort for any player to learn these basic hand signals. Volleyball Referee Hand Signals The following contains descriptions of the Official FIVB (International Volleyball Federation) Referee’s hand signals that we will be using.

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Too high or too low. Too high signals will look odd and uncomfortable.

If you're exaggerated or demonstrative, you may appear to be overbearing.

Too casual or exaggerated. You don't want to appear disinterested in the match.

The correct call would be 'touch', not 'touch' followed by 'out'. A good example would be a ball touched by a player and landing out of bounds on the same side of the net. This will also confuse people and make you look uncertain of your call.

Double signaling. Don't show two different signals for the same fault.

Always use the 1-2-3 method for your signal sequence. This is confusing for both players and coaches.

Simultaneous volleyball hand signals. Don't blow the whistle and signal at the same time.

Always blow the whistle first then look around for assistance. Worry about whether the ball was 'in' or 'out' later.

Don't hold your whistle if you are unsure of the outcome. For example, as soon as you see the ball hit the floor, blow the whistle.

Late whistle. Since the whistle is the first step in the signal sequence, make sure the whistle is blown immediately when a fault has been committed or when the ball hits the floor.

Show the fault and if necessary, the player at fault hold the fault signal briefly.Ĭommon errors with volleyball hand signals.

Award the point by indicating the next team to serve hold that signal briefly.

Some signals require you to indicate the player at fault. Always use the hand or arm on the side of the team that committed the fault. Some volleyball hand signals require two hands When a signal requires only one hand, use the hand that corresponds to the side of the team at fault. As a second referee, you repeat that signal. The first referee will then confirm your decision, award a point and signal which team will serve next. First, use the hand signal that corresponds to the fault you whistled. As a second referee, the signal sequence is different. Second referee sequence As a second referee, there are specific faults to whistle. This signal shows the teams which team will serve next. As a first referee, when you see the ball is out of play or there is a fault, always whistle first. Whistle, award the point, signal the nature of the fault. Especially as a second referee you may want to increase the whistle tone to get attention when attention is elsewhere.

Multiple quick whistles are commonly used to stop play for game interruptions such as an injury or errant ball on the court. For game interruptions such as a substitution or timeout, usually best to use a longer whistle tone. For common play-ending situations and faults, usually best to use a louder whistle. Use different tones and volumes for different situations. Be sure to use a good quality whistle that can be heard over the participant and spectator noise. The whistle should be blown with authority and should be loud and crisp. The whistle indicates you have something to communicate. The whistle stops the rally and draws attention to you. Whistle immediately when a fault has been identified, or the ball is otherwise out of play. Practice in front of a mirror and live match situations. This expertise will only occur with repetition. This may be something you need to experiment with senior referees in your area.

You may need to adjust your signals to best fit your stature.

Volleyball officiating hand signals