Football referee signals: the complete guide
Referee signals are how the referee communicates decisions to players, the assistant referees and the crowd. This guide covers the official arm signals and the assistant referee's flag signals — what each one means and when to use it.
Start freeWhy referee signals matter
Clear, consistent signals keep everyone on the same page: they announce the decision, indicate direction and show authority. IFAB defines the official signals in the Laws of the Game, and using them correctly is a core part of match control and of looking convincing on the pitch.
The main referee arm signals
These are the signals given by the referee. Keep them clear, hold them long enough to be seen, and match them with the whistle where needed.
- ✓Direct free kick — arm extended horizontally pointing the direction of the kick
- ✓Indirect free kick — arm raised straight up and held until the kick is taken and the ball touches a second player
- ✓Penalty kick — arm pointing firmly at the penalty mark
- ✓Advantage — both arms extended forward to play on
- ✓Yellow or red card — card raised clearly above the head
- ✓Play on / no offence — a clear 'wave play on' gesture
Assistant referee flag signals
The assistant referees use the flag to signal to the referee. Raising the flag stops nothing on its own — the referee makes the final decision — but the signal is essential information.
- ✓Offside — flag raised, then angled up, level or down to show the far, middle or near side of the pitch
- ✓Throw-in — flag pointed in the direction of the throw
- ✓Corner kick or goal kick — flag pointing to the corner arc or the goal area
- ✓Substitution — flag held horizontally above the head with both hands
- ✓Foul out of the referee's view — flag raised and given a slight wave
How to learn the signals fast
The fastest way to internalise the signals is to see them in real match situations and connect each signal to the decision behind it. Practising with video clips — deciding the call and the correct signal — makes the right gesture automatic when it matters.
Train your refereeing decisions with Regra18
Regra18 turns the Laws of the Game into guided practice: adaptive questions, real video decisions and official exam simulations that connect every situation to the correct call and signal — in Portuguese, English and Spanish.
Start freeFrequently asked questions
How many referee signals are there?+
The Laws of the Game define a set of official signals for the referee (free kicks, penalty, advantage, cards) and for the assistant referees (offside, throw-in, corner, goal kick, substitution). There are a handful of core signals every referee must know.
What's the difference between the direct and indirect free-kick signals?+
For an indirect free kick the referee raises one arm straight up and keeps it there until the ball is played and touches another player. A direct free kick uses a horizontal arm pointing the direction, with no raised arm.
Does raising the assistant's flag stop play?+
No. The assistant referee signals with the flag, but the referee makes the final decision. Play continues until the referee acts on the signal.
How do I signal advantage?+
Extend both arms forward at about shoulder height to indicate 'play on' after a foul, when stopping play would take away a good attacking opportunity.
Where can I practise referee signals?+
On Regra18 you can study the Laws of the Game and practise real match-clip decisions, connecting each situation to the correct call and signal.