umpiring signals

Updated on July 21, 2009

While only the official signals are to be used (described below, with videos clips when possible), umpires can and are encouraged to develop a personal style/flair in their delivery. There is, however, little leeway in the final position of the arms and hands in each signal.

With the exception of signaling advantage or "play on", it is preferable to be stationary when giving a signal. Directional signals must not be made across the body—always keep your chest facing the players and reach away from your body to signal direction. Unless described otherwise, the hands should be open, with all fingers extended and together.

It is bad practice to look away from the players when a signal is made; further offences might be missed, concentration can be lost, and this can be interpreted as a lack of confidence even when the umpire is completely certain of his or her decision.

Here is the categorized list and description of the signals used by umpires from the Rules of Hockey and the Rules of Indoor Hockey.

NOTE: USA Field Hockey is producing videos to supplement the narrative description of each signal (some are already available, click the link after each description). As soon as a signal video is completed, it will be added to the site. In the meantime, please enjoy the video links below.

Timing:

• Start time: turn towards the other umpire with one arm straight up in the air ( time in )
• Stop time: turn towards the other umpire and cross fully-extended arms at the wrists above the head ( time out )
• Two minutes of play remaining: raise both hands straight up in the air with pointing index fingers ( two minutes )
• One minute of play remaining: raise one hand straight up in the air with pointing index finger ( one minute )

Ball out of play:

• Over the side-line: indicate the direction with one arm raised horizontally ( side-in )
• Over the back-line by an attacker: face the center of the competition surface and extend both arms horizontally sideways ( hit-in / push-in )
• Over the back-line unintentionally by a defender (indoor): face the center of the competition surface and extend both arms horizontally sideways
• Over the back-line unintentionally by a defender (outdoor): point one arm at the corner flag nearest where the ball crossed the back-line

Bully:

• Move hands alternately up and down in front of the body with palms facing each other

Corner (a.k.a. long hit):

• Point one arm toward the corner of the competition surface (left arm for corner nearest umpire, right arm for farside corner)

Penalty Corner:

• Point both arms horizontally toward the goal cage ( penalty corner )

Penalty Stroke:

• Hold one arm straight above head and, with the other, point to the stroke mark

Goal scored:

• Point both arms horizontally toward the center of the competition surface ( goal scored )

Conduct of play:

• Dangerous play: place one forearm diagonally across the chest ( danger )
• Misconduct and/or bad temper: stop play and make a calming movement by moving both hands slowly up and down, palms downward, in front of the body
• Kick/Advancing: slightly raise a leg and touch it near the foot or ankle with the hand ( advancing )
• Raised ball: hold palms facing each other horizontally in front of the body, with one palm approximately 150 mm above the other ( raised ball )
• Obstruction: hold crossed forearms in front of the chest
• Third party or shadow obstruction: alternately open and close crossed forearms in front of the chest ( third party )
• Stick obstruction: hold one arm out and downwards in front of the body half-way between vertical and horizontal; touch the forearm with the other hand ( stick obstruction )
• Five (5) meters violation: extend one arm straight up in the air showing an open hand with all fingers extended ( 5 meters )

Misonduct warnings and suspensions:

• Green card
• Yellow card
• Red card