Volleyball Hand Signals

A referee indicates straightening of arm at a 45 degree angle towards the floor on the side that is at fault.

• Illegal Hit

• Delay of Service

• Improper Server

• Over-the-Net

If the ball doesn't enter or leave the hands at the exact same time an official will often call a double contact.

• Double Hit

• Illegal Hit

• Unnecessary Delay

• Begin Serve

This is indicated by the first referee taking both arms and crossing them across the chest form an X shape with use of arms.

• Over-the-Net

• Replay

• Delay of Service

• End of Game

A signal with the arms placed horizontally over one another, rotating in a spin cycle motion to signify the rotation of line ups.

• Officials Time-Out

• Substitution

• Replay

• Ball Lands In

A referee would take their hand on the side where a net fault occurred and place their hand gently on the net to indicate the fault.

• Over-the-Net

• Net Foul

• Line Violation

• Substitution

An official would show this by placing one arm up vertically above their head and rotate it around.

• Substitution

• Illegal Substitution

• Point Awarded

• Illegal Hit

An official would point down at the offending line to indicate that a violation has occurred.

• Illegal Hit

• Four Hits

• Line Violation

• Ball Touched

The official would show this by bending both forearms upwards so fingers pointing towards the sky with their arms out in front of them.

• Antenna Violation

• Delay of Service

• Illegal Blocking

• Line Violation

Once the referee has blown the whistle to initiate the start of the rally, a player has 8 seconds to serve the ball. If for whatever reason the player takes longer than the allocated 8 seconds, the referee will award the point to the other team for the ___________.

• Delay of Service

• Illegal blocking

• Ball touched

• Four hits

Players are absolutely not allowed to move with the receiving players to ensure their sight remains obstructed, nor is it allowed for a player on the serving team to lineup directly in front to restrict the receivers' view. If this was to happen the referee would indicate a hand signal raising both hands upwards to head height forming and showing open palms towards the court.

• Delay of service

• Illegal Blocking/Screening

• Ball touched

• Four hits