What are the true meanings of the up-referee hand signals? Volleyball, a dynamic and fast-paced sport, relies heavily on effective communication between players, coaches, and officials. Among the key figures on the court, the up referee plays a crucial role in ensuring fair play and maintaining order during a match.
Central to their duties are the hand signals, a language of signs that convey vital information to everyone involved. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve deep into the world of up-referee hand signals, decoding their meanings, and shedding light on their significance in the game of volleyball.
Whether you’re a player, coach, or enthusiastic fan, understanding these signals is essential for a deeper appreciation of the sport.
Up-Referee Hand Signals: The Role of the Up-Referee

Before delving into the hand signals themselves, let’s take a moment to appreciate the significance of the up referee’s role in volleyball. Positioned atop a raised platform, the up referee has a bird’s-eye view of the court and is responsible for several crucial tasks:
- Calling Ball In or Out: The up referee determines whether the ball lands within the boundaries of the court or out of bounds.
- Verifying Net Violations: They watch for net violations, ensuring that players do not touch the net during play.
- Signaling Faults: The up referee signals various faults, such as double contacts, lifts, and carries by the players.
- Tracking Substitutions: They keep track of player substitutions, ensuring that they are executed correctly and within the rules.
- Monitoring Player Rotations: The up referee verifies that players are positioned correctly in their rotational order.
- Scoring and Whistle Control: They oversee the scoring of points and ensure that the match progresses smoothly by using their whistle to signal the start and stop of rallies.
- Handling Disputes: In the case of disagreements or disputes, the up referee serves as the ultimate authority on the court.
Now that we’ve established the importance of the up referee’s role, let’s dive into the world of hand signals and their meanings.
Decoding Up Referee Hand Signals
Up referee hand signals are a universal language that communicates crucial decisions and actions during a volleyball match. Let’s explore some of the most common up-referee hand signals and their meanings:
1. Ball In: This signal is made by extending one arm horizontally and pointing with an open hand toward the court. It indicates that the ball landed inside the court boundaries, and the rally continues.

2. Ball Out: The opposite of “Ball In,” this signal is made by extending one arm horizontally and pointing with an open hand away from the court. It signifies that the ball landed outside the court boundaries, resulting in a point for the opposing team.

3. Point Awarded: To award a point to a team, the up referee uses one hand to point upward toward the winning side. This signals that the team has scored a point.

4. Replay: If a rally needs to be replayed due to an interference or interruption, the up referee crosses their arms in front of their chest with closed fists. This signal indicates that the rally will be played again.

5. Net Fault: A net fault is signaled by pointing one finger toward the net. This indicates that a player from one of the teams touched the net during the rally, resulting in a point for the opposing team.

6. Double Contact: When a player contacts the ball with both hands simultaneously or consecutively, the up referee signals a double contact. They hold one closed fist on top of the other to indicate this violation.

7. Rotation Error: The up referee uses their thumb to indicate a rotational fault. This signal signifies that a player is out of position or has rotated incorrectly.

8. Substitution Signal: When a substitution is allowed, the up referee rotates their hands vertically, almost mimicking a barrel roll. This indicates that a substitution may take place.

9. End of Set: To signal the end of a set, the up referee holds both arms overhead, crossing their wrists to form an “X.” This gesture signifies the conclusion of the set.

10. Time-Out: When a team requests a time-out, the up referee holds one hand with the palm facing upward and signals a “T” by touching their shoulder or chest with the other hand.

11. Ball touched: This call is made when a ball is heading out of bounds on a team’s side of the net, but one of the players touches the ball before it lands out of bounds, resulting in a point for the other team. This is made by swiping one hand off of the other.

12. Sanction Signal: For specific sanctions such as yellow or red cards, the up referee displays the appropriate colored card to the responsible player while also announcing the nature of the sanction.

13. Service Signal: To initiate a service action, the up referee uses a circular motion with one arm, signaling to the server to proceed with the serve.

Appreciate the Up-Referee
Understanding up-referee hand signals is crucial for players, coaches, and spectators alike. These signals serve as the means through which critical decisions and actions are communicated during a volleyball match. Whether it’s awarding points, signaling faults, or indicating rotations, the up referee’s signals provide clarity and maintain the integrity of the game.
As you continue to enjoy the excitement of volleyball, take a moment to appreciate the language of hand signals that ensures fair play, resolves disputes, and keeps the match flowing seamlessly. It’s a testament to the precision and order that underlie the dynamic world of volleyball, and a testament to the skill and knowledge of the up referee who keeps the game in check.
So, the next time you’re on the court or in the stands, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for the silent language of up referee
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Photo credits from Flickr and USAVolleyball: Andrew Pym