Field Hockey Ref Signals : Understand the Various Ref Signals

As a field hockey player or enthusiast, it’s crucial to understand the various ref signals used during a game. Referees use these signals to communicate their decisions and maintain the flow of the game. In this blog post, we will explore the most common field hockey ref signals and their meanings.

Start and Restart

The referee will blow the whistle and point in the direction of the team taking the pushback to start or restart the game. This signal is used at the beginning of each half and after a goal is scored.

Penalty Corner

When a penalty corner is awarded, the referee will point towards the goal with their arm outstretched. This signal indicates that the attacking team has earned a penalty corner due to a defensive foul inside the circle or within the 23-meter area.

Free Hit

The referee will point in the direction of the team awarded the free hit using one arm. This signal is used when a player commits a foul outside the shooting circle, and the opposing team is awarded a free hit.

16-Yard Hit

When the attacking team commits a foul inside the shooting circle or the ball goes out of bounds over the backline, the referee will point towards the 16-yard line with their arm outstretched. This signal indicates that the defending team has been awarded a 16-yard hit.

Penalty Stroke

If a defensive player commits a deliberate foul inside the shooting circle or prevents a probable goal, the referee will point towards the penalty spot with both arms outstretched. This signal indicates that the attacking team has been awarded a penalty stroke.

Green Card

The referee will show a green card to a player who commits a minor offense or shows unsporting behavior. This signal serves as a warning, and the player must leave the field for two minutes.

Yellow Card

A yellow card is shown to a player who commits a more severe offense or receives a second green card. The player must leave the field for a minimum of five minutes, and their team will play with one less player during this time.

Red Card

The referee will show a red card to a player who commits a severe offense or receives a third green card. This signal indicates that the player is ejected from the game, and their team will play with one less player for the remainder of the match.

Understanding these field hockey ref signals will help you better appreciate the game and improve your performance on the field. So next time you’re watching or playing field hockey, keep an eye out for these signals and know what they mean!

Advantage

The referee may play the advantage by extending both arms out to the sides, indicating that a foul has occurred but the attacking team still has an opportunity to gain an advantage. The referee will allow the play to continue, and if the advantage is not realized, they may bring the play back to the original foul.

Obstruction

When a player obstructs an opponent by shielding the ball with their body or stick, the referee will signal obstruction by crossing their arms in front of their chest. The free hit will be granted to the opposing team.

Stick Obstruction

If a player uses their stick to obstruct an opponent. The referee will signal stick obstruction by tapping the back of one hand with the palm of the other hand. The free hit will be granted to the opposing team.

High Ball

The referee will signal a high ball by raising one arm above their head with the palm facing forward. This signal indicates that a player has lifted the ball dangerously or played the ball above shoulder height. The free hit will be granted to the opposing team.

Foot Foul

When a player touches the ball with their foot or body. The referee will signal a foot foul by tapping their foot with one hand. The free hit will be granted to the opposing team.

Time Stoppage

The referee may stop the game by blowing the whistle and making a “T” shape with their hands. This signal is used for various reasons, such as an injury, equipment issue, or to consult with another official.

Substitution

When a team wants to make a substitution. The referee will signal by raising one arm and making a rolling motion with their hand. This indicates that a player may leave the field and be replaced by a substitute.

By familiarizing yourself with these additional field hockey ref signals. You’ll become an even more knowledgeable player or fan of the game. Remember to respect the decisions made by the referees, as they are essential to maintaining fair play and the integrity of the sport. Happy playing!

Dangerous Play

The referee will signal dangerous play by making a sweeping motion with one arm. Indicating that a player has committed an action that could potentially harm another player. This may include playing the ball dangerously or making an aggressive tackle. The opposing team will be awarded a free hit.

Aerial Ball

When a player lifts the ball into the air using a scoop or flick. The referee will signal an aerial ball by raising one arm straight up with the palm facing forward. The signal indicates that the ball has been lifted legally, and play should continue.

Five-Meter Rule

The referee will signal the five-meter rule by holding one hand above their head with all five fingers extended. This signal indicates that a player must give their opponent at least five meters of space when taking a free hit, penalty corner, or 16-yard hit.

Goal Disallowed

If a goal is scored but the referee disallows it due to a foul or infringement, the referee will signal by crossing their arms above their head. This indicates that the goal does not count, and play will resume with a 16-yard hit for the defending team.

Video Referral

In matches where video referrals are available. Equally important, the referee may request a review of a specific incident by making a square shape with their hands, representing a TV screen. This signal indicates that the referee is seeking assistance from the video umpire to make a decision.

Two-Minute Suspension

Equally important If a player receives a green card, the referee will signal a two-minute suspension by holding up two fingers. The player must leave the field for two minutes. Their team will play with one less player during this time.

Understanding and recognizing these field hockey ref signals will not only improve your game but also enhance your overall experience as a player or spectator. By respecting the rules and the referee’s decisions, you contribute to a fair and enjoyable environment for everyone involved in the sport. Keep learning, practicing, and enjoying the game of field hockey!