For a sports referee it is essential to know the rules and understand how to apply them. No one would ever question this. However, almost as important to good officiating is the use of clear, confident signals.
Signals are a referee’s way to communicate. In any game situation, the players, coaches, fans, scorers and fellow referees need to understand the call. When a referee or umpire makes a call in applying a rule, nothing happens until a signal is made. The value of good signals should never be underestimated.
Good, clear signals create flow to a game. The first down signal in football lets everyone know that the offense will be awarded four more downs in their attempt to advance the ball for a score. Players know exactly what to do next. In basketball and soccer, the signal made by the referee following a ball out of bounds instructs the players how and where to proceed with getting the ball back into play. The out and safe signals in baseball sets the stage for the situation to be faced by the next batter. Without these basic signals, made in a clear and timely manner, our games would have no continuity or flow.
Our American game of baseball was played for years without any signals. All communication was verbal. This changed in the late 1800’s when a deaf player by the name of William Hoy convinced baseball umpires to use hand signals as a means of communicating balls, strikes and outs at the bases. Currently all of our sports have a unique set of signals to communicate and keep the game moving at a good pace.
Referee signals should be crisp. They should look professional. They should be clear to everyone, leaving no question as to the call being made. Signals should be made in a way that lets everyone know that the referee had a clear view of the action, is confident in his call and ready to proceed with play.
Experienced referees know that good signals are essential to good officiating.
