Overview
This lecture covers the core hand signals and mechanics used by basketball referees to communicate game situations, violations, fouls, and other official actions.
Starting and Stopping the Clock
- Raise an open hand to stop the clock for a violation.
- Raise a closed fist to stop the clock for a foul.
- Raise one hand to start the clock.
Violations and Fouls
- Open hand signals a violation; closed fist signals a foul.
- Directional signal: hand cupped, point the direction, and specify team color.
- Out-of-bounds: stop the clock, point direction, and indicate color.
- Designated throw-in spot: point to the spot after travel or other violations.
- Travel: stop clock, signal direction, and point to throw-in spot.
- Illegal dribble/over and back/palming: stop clock, rotate hand.
- Three-second violation: three fingers toward the key, then indicate direction.
- Five-second violation: stop clock, show five fingers, indicate direction.
- Ten-second violation: both hands, show ten fingers, indicate direction.
- Excessive swinging elbows: signal with hand movements.
- Kicking: hand up, signal with a kick motion.
Counting and Substitutions
- 10-second count (backcourt): count from waist to shoulders.
- 5-second closely-guarded count (frontcourt): count similarly.
- Substitute beckoning: hands up, wave players in.
Timeouts and Basket Rulings
- 60-second timeout: show with signal and announce team (e.g., "white coach").
- 30-second timeout: specific signal and announce team.
- Disallowed basket: signal no score.
- Basket interference, basket counts: signal goal is good.
- Drive with "and 1": score basket, award one free throw.
- Three-point attempt: hand at 45 degrees; made basket, signal three points.
- Bonus situation (7 team fouls): signal foul, indicate one-and-one free throws.
- Lane violation (defense during free throw): delayed violation signal.
Other Fouls
- Illegal use of hands: foul signal, hand okay sign.
- Hand check, holding, blocking, pushing, charging: each has a specific signal.
- Team control foul and intentional foul: use appropriate signal.
- Technical foul: signal distinctly with both hands.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Violation — An infraction of the rules (e.g., traveling, 3 seconds, illegal dribble).
- Foul — Illegal physical contact or unsportsmanlike behavior.
- Bonus situation — After 7 team fouls, team gets free throws on non-shooting fouls.
- Technical foul — Unsportsmanlike conduct or procedural infractions.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice the hand signals and mechanics described.
- Memorize the signals for violations, fouls, and special situations.