Referee Signals

Referees frequently use their hands and body to signal calls like free kicks, offsides, and other decisions, whereas assistant referees communicates with the head referee and the players using their flags.

These signs must be understood not only by the referee, but also by the players. The full list of refereeing signals for the head referee and their deputy referees can be found here.



Referee Signals

Here is the complete list of the signals by the head referee according to the Laws of the Game.

Advantage (Signal)
Advantage (Two hands)
Advantage (Play on)

Hold a hand or both of your hands up (like in above images) so everyone can see you allowing advantage.

Direct Free kick (Signal)
Direct Free Kick

Hold a hand up and point to defending goal.

Indirect Free kick (Signal)
Indirect Free Kick

Raise your hand up to indicate an indirect free kick.

Corner kick (Signal)
Corner Kick

Point to the corner arc using your hand.

Goal kick (Signal)
Goal Kick

Point your hand to the goal area of defending team.

Penalty (Signal)
Penalty Kick

Point your hand or your finger to the penalty mark.

Red & Yellow Card (Signal)
Red & Yellow Card (Signal)
Red & Yellow Card

Show the yellow or red card facing the player who is the card for.

VAR (Check)
Check (VAR)

Put finger(s) to ear, while extending the other arm/hand.

VAR (Review)
Review (VAR)

Draw a square box (TV) in the air using your hands/fingers.


Assistant Referee & Additional Assistant Referee Signals

The complete list of the signals by the assistant referee using the flag according to the Laws of the Game book.

Substitution (Signal)
Substitution

Hold the flag over your head with both of your hands.

Free Kick (Signal)
Free Kick

Direct / Indirect free kick.
1) Raise the flag, give it a slight wave. 2) Indicate the direction of the free kick.

Throw in (Signal)
Throw In

Point the flag to the direction of the throw-in.

Corner (Signal)
Corner Kick

Point the flag to the corner arc.

Goal Kick (Signal)
Goal Kick

Point the flag to the goal area.

Offside - Near (Signal)
Offside (Near)

Hold the flag high up to indicate offside on the far side of the field.

Offside - Middle (Signal)
Offside (Middle)

Hold the flag in the middle to indicate offside in the middle of the field.

Offside - Far (Signal)
Offside (Far)

Hold the flag high up to indicate offside on the far side of the field.

Goal - AAR
GOAL (Additional assistant referee signal)

Point at the center circle of the field, unless the ball has very clearly passed the goal line.