Peters Township Junior Football Association: Know the Signs
Hand Signals Used in FootballBecause it would be difficult to hear an official in a crowded game situation, a set of signals was developed to keep everyone informed. Referees use signals for all scoring plays, play stoppages and penalties. (Trivia Note: There are over 100 different kinds of penalties or rule violations in the game of football.) Below are some of the signals with a brief description included to help you...Know the Signs!
Want to print some of these to take with you to the games?
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Both arms are extended above the official's head.
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The official's arms are pointed towards the defensive team's goal.
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Hands crisscrossed above the official's head.
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The official's full arm is circled to simulate a moving clock.
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Official's forearms are rotated over and over in front of the body.
This signal is also used for an illegal formation, or kickoff or safety kick out of bounds.
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The official stands with his hands on his hips.
This signal is also called encroachment or a neutal zone infraction.
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The official will make a horizontal arc with one hand.
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The official has one wrist striking the other above his head.
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The official's hands are shifted in a horizontal plane.
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The official holds both hands behind his head.
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The official grasps in mask area with one hand.
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Personal Foul signal followed by the Face Mask signal.
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The official grasps one wrist, with his first clenched, in front of his chest.
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The official repeats the action of his right foot in back of the left heal.
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The official holds his palms together above his head.
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The official stands with his arms outstretched, palms down.
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The official gives the ejection signal.
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Following the Personal Foul signal, the official swings his leg.
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Following the Personal Foul Signal, the official raises his arm in a forward swinging motion.
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The official simultaneously taps both shoulders with his fingertips.
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Parallel arms of the official are waved in a diagonal plane across the body. Followed by a loss of down signal.
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The official extends one open hand forward.
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The official grasps one wrist, with the hand open and facing forward, in front of his chest.
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The official extends both arms forward, with hands open and away from the body. This will be followed by a loss of down signal.
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The official waves one hand behind his back. This is followed by a loss of down signal.
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The official will touch the top of his cap with his right hand.
This signal is also used to denote an ineligible member of the kicking team downfield.
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The official's hand strikes the front of his thigh.
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The official holds two open hands on the top of his head.
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The official will strike an open right hand against his right mid-thigh. This will be preceded by a personal foul signal.
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The official will make a pushing movement with his hands to the front with his arms downward.
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The official will make horizontal arcs with two hands.
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After making the personal foul signal, the official will use both hands to strike the side of his thighs.
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Following the personal foul signal, the official will use one hand to strike at the back of his calf.
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The palm of the official's right hand is held parallel to the ground above his head and moved back and forth.
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The official makes a diagonal motion of one open hand across the other.
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With one hand, the official will strike the front of the thigh. This is preceded by a personal foul signal.
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The official will wave one hand above the head.
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The official's hands are up and down in front of his chest following an incomplete pass signal.
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The official holds one arm above his head with an open hand.
If the official's fist is extended overhead it signals a Fourth Down.
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