Rugby union referees use arm signals to show what they have awarded and why, so players and spectators can follow the game. Most decisions use two signals: first the award, such as a penalty, free kick or scrum, and then the offence that caused it, such as a knock-on or offside. Learning the main award signals and a handful of common offence signals makes almost any match easy to read.
This guide covers the award signals, the most common offence signals for general play, cards and TMO signals, how to read a referee’s decision in sequence, and the mistakes spectators and new players make when interpreting them.
How referee signals work
When play stops, the referee first shows the result: which team gets the ball and in what form. The referee then shows the reason with a second signal. For awards such as penalties, free kicks and scrums, the referee usually stands with shoulders parallel to the touchline and points toward the team receiving the award. Many referees also speak to players, and in televised matches the referee’s microphone lets viewers hear the explanation.
Award signals
| Signal | How it looks | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Try | Referee’s back to the dead-ball line, arm raised straight up | A try has been scored |
| Penalty try | Referee runs between the posts and raises an arm | A try awarded because foul play prevented a probable try |
| Penalty kick | Arm raised at an angle upward toward the non-offending team | A penalty has been awarded |
| Free kick | Upper arm pointing toward the non-offending team, forearm bent upward at a right angle | A free kick for a lesser offence |
| Scrum | Arm held horizontally, pointing toward the team that will put the ball in | A scrum is awarded |
| Advantage | Arm held out waist-high toward the non-offending team | Play continues while the non-offending team tries to gain |
| Line-out | Assistant referee raises the flag and points toward the team to throw in | The ball has gone into touch |
The difference between a penalty and a free kick matters. From a penalty, a team can kick at goal for three points, kick to touch and keep the throw-in, tap and run or choose a scrum. A free kick cannot be kicked directly at goal for points, and a free kick sent into touch gives the throw-in to the opposition.
Common offence signals in general play
| Offence | Signal | Usual sanction |
|---|---|---|
| Knock-on | Arm raised above the head, with the other hand tapping the top of the head | Scrum to the other team |
| Forward pass | Both hands mime a pass forward | Scrum to the other team |
| Not releasing the ball | Both hands held to the chest as if holding a ball | Penalty |
| Tackler not releasing | Arms brought together as if holding a player, then opened | Penalty |
| Not rolling away | Circular movement of the arm and finger | Penalty |
| Entering from the side | Arm held horizontally, swept in a semicircle | Penalty |
| Offside at ruck, maul or scrum | Arm hanging straight down and swinging along the offside line | Penalty |
| High tackle | Hand moved across the front of the neck | Penalty, possibly a card |
| Obstruction | Forearms crossed at right angles in front of the chest | Penalty |
| Hands in the ruck | Hand at ground level, sweeping as if picking up the ball | Penalty |
Exact movements can vary slightly between referees, but the core shapes follow the signals set out in World Rugby’s Laws of the Game.
Cards and the TMO
Yellow card. The referee holds up a yellow card toward the offending player, who leaves the field for ten minutes in the sin bin. In some competitions, yellow cards for dangerous tackles are reviewed while the player is off the field and can be upgraded.
Red card. A red card means the player is sent off. Traditionally, the team plays with one fewer player for the rest of the match. Some competitions now use a 20-minute red card, where the sent-off player cannot return but can be replaced after 20 minutes, so check the rules for the competition you are watching.
TMO. In matches with a television match official, the referee draws a rectangle in the air, like a screen, to show a decision is being referred for video review.
Assistant referee flag signals
Assistant referees, often called touch judges at lower levels, help the referee with the touchlines and kicks at goal. When the ball goes into touch, the assistant raises the flag and points to the team entitled to throw in. For a conversion or penalty goal, the assistants stand behind the posts and raise their flags if the kick is successful. At many levels, assistants can also signal foul play by holding the flag horizontally across the field, prompting the referee to consult them. Watching the flags gives you a second source of information when the referee’s view is blocked.
How to read a referee’s decision
- Watch the whistle. A short whistle usually stops play for a scrum or restart, while a longer, louder whistle often signals a penalty.
- Look at the arm direction. The arm points toward the team receiving the award.
- Read the arm angle. An arm raised at an angle means a penalty, a bent arm means a free kick and a horizontal arm means a scrum.
- Watch for the second signal. The follow-up signal tells you the offence.
- Check for advantage. If the referee’s arm stays out waist-high, play continues and the call may come back later.
- Look for cards. After a penalty for foul play, the referee may show a card.
Common mistakes when reading signals
- Confusing penalty and free kick. The angled arm and bent arm look similar at a glance, but they lead to very different options.
- Missing advantage. Fans often think an offence was ignored when the referee is actually playing advantage.
- Reading the direction wrong. The arm points toward the team that receives the award, not the team that offended.
- Ignoring the assistant referees. Touch judges or assistant referees signal touch, kicks at goal and sometimes foul play with their flags.
- Players arguing instead of listening. Only the captain should talk to the referee, and dissent can result in the penalty being moved forward.
Rulebook note
Referee signals, sanctions and card rules are set out in World Rugby’s Laws of the Game and may be adapted by competitions and national unions, including trial laws. Check the current laws for the competition you play or watch.
Frequently asked questions
What does it mean when the referee holds an arm out sideways at waist height?
That is the advantage signal. An offence has occurred, but the referee is letting play continue to see if the non-offending team gains more than the penalty or scrum would give them.
How can you tell a penalty from a free kick in rugby?
For a penalty, the referee’s arm is raised at an upward angle. For a free kick, the upper arm points toward the team and the forearm is bent upward at a right angle.
What does the referee’s knock-on signal look like?
The referee raises an arm above the head and taps the top of the head with the other hand, then signals a scrum to the non-offending team.
