🎯 Point and Service Signals
These are the most common signals you'll see during a match.
👉 Point for Team
Signal: Extended arm pointing to the side of the team that won the point
Meaning: The indicated team has won the point
How to Respond: If your team won: prepare to rotate if applicable. If you lost: return to your position quickly.
🏐 Authorization to Serve
Signal: Arm extended toward the team that will serve, sweeping motion toward service zone
Meaning: Authorization to perform the serve
How to Respond: Server has 8 seconds to serve after this signal.
🔄 Change of Courts
Signal: Arms extended in front of body making circular motion
Meaning: Teams must change sides of court
How to Respond: Change sides quickly. Occurs between sets and at point 8 of the 5th set.
⚠️ Violation Signals
These signals indicate a fault has been committed.
🚫 Four Hits
Signal: Four fingers extended upward
Meaning: Team touched the ball more than 3 times
How to Respond: Accept the decision. Mentally review the touch sequence to avoid repeating it.
👆 Double Contact
Signal: Two fingers extended
Meaning: A player touched the ball twice consecutively
How to Respond: If it was your fault, acknowledge it. Work on your technique to avoid doubles.
✋ Lift/Carry
Signal: Palm up, slow lifting motion
Meaning: Ball was held or carried instead of hit
How to Respond: Hit the ball more cleanly. Avoid "carrying" the ball.
📍 Position/Rotation
Signal: Finger circling in a circular motion
Meaning: Position or rotation error
How to Respond: Check your position before each serve. Talk with your team about rotations.
🌐 Net Touch
Signal: Indicating the net with hand
Meaning: A player touched the net during play
How to Respond: Be more careful at the net. Control your body when jumping and landing.
⏰ Delay
Signal: Hand signal covering the wrist
Meaning: Delay of game
How to Respond: Speed up the pace. Server has 8 seconds to serve.
🔀 Substitution Signals
🔄 Substitution Request
Signal: Circular motion of forearms around each other
Meaning: A substitution has been requested
How to Respond: Players involved must quickly approach the substitution zone.
🛡️ Libero Replacement
Signal: Arm movement in X shape
Meaning: Libero replacement
How to Respond: Libero and replaced player make the change. This doesn't count as regular substitution.
❌ Illegal Substitution
Signal: Arms crossed in front of chest
Meaning: Illegal substitution attempt (over limit or incorrect)
How to Respond: Substitution is not made. May result in penalty.
⏸️ Timeout Signals
⏱️ Timeout
Signal: Forming a "T" with hands
Meaning: Timeout requested (30 seconds)
How to Respond: Go to your bench quickly. Listen to coach instructions.
🔚 End of Timeout
Signal: Long whistle with gesture that time is over
Meaning: End of timeout
How to Respond: Return immediately to court. You have few seconds.
🎺 Technical Timeout
Signal: Gesture with open hand
Meaning: Automatic technical timeout (at points 8 and 16 of first 4 sets)
How to Respond: Brief pause. Take advantage to hydrate.
💡 How to Respond When You See These Signals
Beyond knowing the signals, it's important to know how to act when you see them.
For Players
- Stay calm: Don't argue with the referee. Their decisions are final.
- Learn from mistakes: If you commit a fault, understand why and avoid it.
- Communicate with your team: If there's confusion about rotation, talk with teammates.
- Maintain pace: Respond quickly to signals to maintain game flow.
- Watch the referee: Before each serve, look at the referee to make sure they're ready.
For Parents and Spectators
- Respect decisions: Referees are human and can make mistakes, but deserve respect.
- Don't yell at the referee: This only distracts players and creates negative environment.
- Use signals to understand the game: It will help you follow the match better.
- Cheer positively: Support your team without criticizing opponent or referee.
🚀 Want to Learn More About Refereeing?
Discover everything about volleyball refereeing: functions, responsibilities and how to become a referee.
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