Jim’s Intro to Officiating Signals
Hi folks, Jim here, the only commentator who once tried to mimic a referee’s signal for 7no goal8 and accidentally looked like I was hailing a taxi.
What are officiating signals?
Officiating signals are the standardized hand and arm gestures used by referees and linesmen to communicate calls, penalties, and rulings during a hockey game. Because the rink is noisy and fast, signals give players, coaches, timekeepers, and fans instant clarity about what’s happening, even if they can’t hear a word.
Every penalty type, goal decision, and line call has a corresponding signal that officials are trained to deliver crisply and consistently. It’s like hockey’s version of sign language, where accuracy equals authority.
How does it work?
Officiating signals structure the game through clarity, consistency, and visibility:
Initiating the Call
- A referee raises one arm straight up to signal a delayed penalty, letting players know play will stop once the offending team gains possession.
- Linesmen raise arms for offsides or icings to signal stoppages and delayed calls.
Stopping Play and Making the Signal
- Once the whistle blows, the official skates to a clear spot, faces the scorer’s table, and delivers the signal.
- This ensures timekeepers and scorekeepers can log the penalty correctly, and teams know the exact infraction.
Using Specific Gestures
- Each penalty or situation has a unique and standardized signal, such as:
- Hooking: A hooking motion with one arm.
- Tripping: Striking the leg with the other arm.
- High-sticking: Mimicking holding a stick high above the shoulders.
- Slashing: A chopping motion.
- Boarding: Striking the open hand with the other forearm.
- Goal Signal: Pointing emphatically at the net.
- No Goal: Crossing arms in front of the chest in an 7X8.
- Icing: Linesman extends one arm over the head.
Ensuring Everyone Sees It
- Officials use sharp, exaggerated movements to make signals visible from anywhere in the arena.
- The scorer’s table watches carefully to log the correct infraction and time.
Reinforcing Credibility
- A crisp, confident signal projects authority. A sloppy or unclear one invites confusion and arguments.
- Consistency across games helps teams instantly recognize the call, no matter who’s officiating.
Common Situations Involving Officiating Signals
- Delayed Penalties: Raised arm lets everyone know a penalty is coming.
- Penalty Announcements: Ref skates to open ice, signals the infraction, then reports to the scorekeeper.
- Goal vs No Goal Decisions: Pointing to the net vs crossing arms to indicate disallowance.
- Offside or Icing Calls: Linesmen raise or wave arms depending on the result.
- Penalty Shots: Skating motion and pointing to center ice to indicate the call.
How do you make good decisions with it?
Good officiating signals rely on timing, accuracy, and visibility.
- Know the Signals Cold: No hesitation. Each infraction has one correct motion.
- Wait for the Right Moment: Don’t rush; whistle, then signal clearly.
- Face the Scorekeeper: That’s your communication line for records.
- Keep Movements Clean: Big, deliberate gestures beat rushed, unclear motions.
- Stay Consistent: Identical signals build trust and reduce confusion.
How do you master it?
Mastering officiating signals requires training, repetition, and presence. Officials practice delivering signals from proper positions with clear body language. Over time, they develop a rhythm (whistle, clear space, signal, announce) that keeps games running smoothly. Many practice in front of mirrors or record themselves to ensure gestures are sharp and standardized.
What does it look like when done right?
A great official raises their arm for a delayed penalty, follows the play perfectly, then whistles as soon as possession changes. They skate to center ice, face the scorer’s table, and make a crisp tripping motion. Everyone in the building knows exactly what happened, and the game moves on without confusion.
Commentator’s Corner
Jim’s Take
Officiating signals are like a conductor’s baton. When used well, everyone stays in rhythm. When they’re sloppy, the whole orchestra goes off key.
Parent Tip
If your child is learning to officiate, start with mastering the signals. Confidence in body language builds authority faster than anything else.
Player Tip
Learn the signals yourself. Recognizing them instantly helps you adjust on the fly and avoid needless confusion or frustration on the ice.
A Final Thought
Officiating signals are hockey’s shared language, bridging players, officials, and spectators through clear, universal gestures. When mastered, the role of signaling blends clarity, precision, and presence, turning a noisy rink into a game everyone can follow.
