HAND SIGNALS

A basketball referee relies on his or her expert knowledge of basketball rules and regulations to officiate a game in a fair manner. Referees use hand signals during a basketball game to inform players, coaches, other officials, and the crowd of their decisions. When a call is made, the referee will blow the whistle and then use his/her arms and hands to signal a call. There are numerous referee signals that you should know.

Travelling hand signal

When a player travels without dribbling the ball, the referee will bend his/her elbows toward the chest with the fists closed and move them in a circular motion.

Technical Foul hand signal

Referee will signal a technical foul by forming a “T” with his/her hands, placing the left hand vertically and the right hand horizontally overtop.

Pushing hand signal

A “Pushing Foul” occurs when a defender pushes an offensive player or bumps into the body of an offensive player. Page 2. Illegal Use of Hands Foul – This is a foul called when a defender slaps, hacks, or smacks an offensive player with the ball.

Jump ball hand signal

When both players have control over the ball at the same time, it is indicated by both thumbs pointing upwards with arms extended.