Basketball Referee Signals: What They All Mean

Referees are crucial in basketball, using specific signals to communicate with the crowd, scorers, coaches, and players. Understanding these signals is essential for anyone watching the game.

Violation Signals

• General:
  • Whistle blow and open hand in the air signal a dead ball before each violation signal.

1. Traveling

• Occurs when a player moves illegally with the ball.
• Signal: Both arms in front of face, move in a circle.

2. Double Dribble

• Player dribbles, stops, and then dribbles again.
• Signal: Hands in front, palms down, alternate moving up and down.

3. Carrying the Basketball

• Player dribbles with hand under the ball.
• Signal: One hand flips from palm up to palm down.

4. 3-Second Violation

• Player stays in the paint for more than 3 seconds.
• Signal: Three fingers pointed down, swiping back and forth.

5. 5-Second Violation

• Team takes over 5 seconds to inbound the ball.
• Signal: One hand with five fingers in the air.

6. 8-Second Violation

• Team takes over 8 seconds to cross half-court.
• Signal: Eight fingers in the air.

7. 24-Second Violation

• Team fails to shoot within 24 seconds (shot clock).
• Signal: Tap top of shoulder with one hand.

8. Over-and-Back (Backcourt Violation)

• Ball moves from front court back to backcourt without defense.
• Signal: Hand out, palm down, moving side to side.

9. Kicking

• Player intentionally kicks the basketball.
• Signal: Point at foot.

10. Out of Bounds

• Ball touches line or outside of it.
• Signal: Point towards the team gaining possession.

11. Jump Ball

• Both teams possess the ball simultaneously.
• Signal: Two thumbs up above the head.

Fouling Signals

• General:
  • Whistle blow and closed hand in the air signal a foul.

12. Blocking Foul

• Defensive player impedes dribbler without legal position.
• Signal: Both hands on hips.

13. Charging Foul

• Offensive player knocks defensive player from position.
• Signal: Fist "punches" open palm.

14. Hand-Checking Foul

• Defender restricts ball-handler with hands.
• Signal: Chop one hand across opposite wrist.

15. Holding Foul

• Grabbing opponent’s jersey or body.
• Signal: Fist pointed, "grabbing" wrist with other hand.

16. Pushing Foul

• Pushing opponent, common in rebounds.
• Signal: Arms out, pushing motion.

17. Elbow Foul

• Aggressive elbow contact.
• Signal: Swinging elbow.

18. Intentional Foul

• Foul deemed purposeful or malicious.
• Signal: Arms in air, crossing to form an X.

19. Technical Foul

• Unsportsmanlike behavior.
• Signal: Hands form letter T.

Other Hand Signals

20. Substitution

• Exchange on-court player with bench player.
• Signal: Arms make an X.

21. Start the Clock

• Hand in air until play starts, then drops.

22. Three-Point Attempt

• Player attempts a three-pointer.
• Signal: One arm straight up.

23. Three-Point Make

• Successful three-point shot.
• Signal: Both arms straight up.

24. No Basket

• Shot does not count (e.g., after foul).
• Signal: Cross arms in front.

25. Timeout

• Full timeout signal.
• Signal: Arms out to side with fists.

Conclusion

Understanding referee signals is vital for referees, coaches, players, and fans to follow the game effectively. Observing these signals during a game can enhance the understanding of the game’s flow.