Referee Hand Signals In Basketball With Pictures And Meaning
As a basketball player or fan, it is important to have a clear understanding of the referee hand signals used during games. These signals are crucial in determining the outcome of plays and maintaining fairness on the court. In this article, we will discuss the most commonly used referee hand signals in basketball, their meanings, and provide pictures for better understanding.
The Start Of The Game
Before the game begins, the referee will perform a few hand signals to indicate that the game is about to start. The first is the “Both Hands Up” signal, where the referee will raise both hands above their head to signal that the game is about to begin. This signal is also used to call a jump ball at the start of the game or after a held ball situation.
The “Toss Up” signal is used to indicate that a jump ball is about to occur. The referee will stand between the two players who are going to jump and raise one hand in the air with the other hand holding the ball. The ball is then tossed up and the players can jump for it.
Fouls
One of the most common uses of referee hand signals in basketball is for fouls. When a player commits a foul, the referee will use specific hand signals to indicate what type of foul was committed.
The “Blocking Foul” signal is used when a defender moves into the path of an offensive player, causing a collision. The referee will place one hand on top of the other with their palms facing down in front of their body, then move their hands to the side to indicate the direction of the foul.
The “Charging Foul” signal is used when an offensive player runs into a defensive player who has established their position. The referee will place one hand on their chest with their elbow out, then extend their arm to indicate the direction of the foul.
The “Holding Foul” signal is used when a player grabs onto an opponent to impede their progress. The referee will cross their wrists in front of their body with their fists clenched, then pull their arms apart to indicate the direction of the foul.
The “Technical Foul” signal is used when a player or coach exhibits unsportsmanlike conduct. The referee will make a “T” shape with their hands in front of their body to indicate the technical foul.
Scoring Plays
Referee hand signals are also used to indicate scoring plays. These signals let everyone know that a basket was made and if any fouls occurred during the play.
The “Field Goal” signal is used when a player scores a basket. The referee will raise one hand in the air with their fingers extended to indicate that the basket was good.
The “And One” signal is used when a player scores a basket and is fouled during the play. The referee will make a circle with one hand and raise the other hand in the air to indicate that the basket was good and the player will get one free throw.
Timeouts
Timeouts are an important part of basketball and are often called by coaches to stop play and make adjustments. Referee hand signals are used to indicate when a timeout has been called and by which team.
The “Timeout” signal is used when a coach calls a timeout. The referee will blow their whistle, then make a “T” shape with their hands to indicate the timeout.
The “30-Second Timeout” signal is used when a team calls a timeout to advance the ball to half-court in the last 30 seconds of the game. The referee will make a “T” shape with their hands, then touch their shoulders to indicate a 30-second timeout.
Conclusion
Understanding referee hand signals in basketball is crucial for players, coaches, and fans alike. By knowing what each signal means, you can have a better understanding of what is happening on the court and appreciate the game even more. Remember, referees play an important role in ensuring fairness on the court, so it’s essential to respect their calls and signals.