Soccer referees use a small set of arm signals, backed by the whistle and cards, to communicate every decision. The main ones are an arm pointing in the direction of attack for a direct free kick, one arm raised straight up for an indirect free kick, both arms swept forward to play advantage, and pointing to the penalty mark for a penalty kick. The referee also points to the corner arc for a corner kick and to the goal area for a goal kick, shows yellow and red cards for cautions and sending-offs, and in competitions with video assistant referees draws a rectangle in the air to signal a review. Assistant referees use their flags to signal offside, throw-ins, corners, goal kicks, fouls and substitutions.
Rulebook note: Signals described here follow the IFAB Laws of the Game, mainly Laws 5 and 6 and the guidance on officials’ signals. Competitions may add their own procedures, such as those for VAR or temporary dismissals in youth football. Check the current Laws and your league’s rules.
Referee signals at a glance
| Signal | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Arm pointing in the direction of attack | Direct free kick |
| Arm raised straight up and held | Indirect free kick |
| Both arms swept forward | Play on, advantage |
| Pointing to the penalty mark | Penalty kick |
| Pointing to the corner arc | Corner kick |
| Pointing to the goal area | Goal kick |
| Yellow or red card held up | Caution or sending-off |
| Drawing a rectangle in the air | VAR review |
Direct and indirect free kicks
For a direct free kick, the referee blows the whistle and points an arm in the direction the free kick will be taken, toward the goal the fouled team is attacking. A goal can be scored directly from this kick. For an indirect free kick, the referee raises one arm straight above the head and keeps it raised until the kick has been taken and the ball has touched another player or gone out of play. The raised arm tells players that a goal cannot be scored directly. If the referee forgets to raise the arm and a goal is scored directly from an indirect free kick, the kick is retaken.
Advantage
When a foul occurs but stopping play would benefit the offending team, the referee can play advantage. The signal is both arms swept forward, palms up, often accompanied by a call such as play on. If the expected advantage does not develop within a few seconds, the referee can return to the original offense. The referee can still caution or send off the offending player at the next stoppage, which is why you sometimes see a card shown several minutes after a foul.
Penalty kicks, corners and goal kicks
A penalty kick is signaled by the referee pointing clearly to the penalty mark after blowing the whistle. For a corner kick, the referee points toward the corner arc on the side where the ball went out. For a goal kick, the referee points toward the goal area. These restarts are often confirmed by the assistant referee’s flag as well.
Cards
A yellow card shows that a player has been cautioned, and a red card shows that a player has been sent off. The referee holds the card up clearly toward the player. A second yellow card in the same match is followed by a red card. Team officials such as coaches can also receive cards for misconduct in many competitions.
The whistle
The whistle is used to start and restart play in certain situations, such as kick-offs and penalty kicks, to stop play for fouls, injuries or other reasons, and to end each half. It is not needed for every restart; throw-ins, corner kicks and goal kicks can usually be taken without a whistle. A long, firm whistle often signals a serious offense, while short blasts are used for routine stoppages.
Assistant referee flag signals
Offside. The assistant raises the flag straight up to signal an offside offense. When the referee stops play, the assistant points the flag across the field to show where the offense occurred: pointed downward for the near side, horizontal for the middle of the field and upward for the far side.
Throw-in. The assistant points the flag diagonally upward in the direction of the team entitled to the throw-in.
Corner kick. The assistant points the flag downward toward the corner arc on their side.
Goal kick. The assistant points the flag horizontally toward the goal area.
Foul. The assistant raises the flag and gives it a small wave to attract the referee’s attention, then indicates the direction of the free kick.
Substitution. The assistant holds the flag horizontally above the head with both hands to tell the referee a substitution is waiting.
Goal. When a goal is clearly scored, the assistant often runs back toward the halfway line without raising the flag to confirm the ball crossed the line.
VAR signals
In competitions with video assistant referees, the referee may hold a finger to the ear to show that a check is taking place. If a review is needed, the referee draws a rectangle in the air with both hands, the shape of a television screen. The referee may then go to a pitchside monitor for an on-field review. After the review, the referee again draws the rectangle and signals the final decision. Most youth and amateur matches do not use VAR.
Other signals and tools
Many referees use vanishing spray to mark the position of the ball and the 9.15-meter line for walls at free kicks. The fourth official, where used, holds up an electronic board to show substitutions and the minimum amount of added time at the end of each half. In some youth and grassroots competitions, temporary dismissals, often called sin bins, are signaled with a specific card or gesture defined by the competition rules.
Why clear signals matter
Clear signals help players, coaches and spectators understand decisions instantly, which reduces confusion and arguments. They also help teammates of the referee: assistant referees and fourth officials work as a team, and consistent signals let them communicate across a noisy stadium. For players, reading signals quickly can create advantages, such as recognizing an indirect free kick and setting up a short routine, or spotting that advantage has been played and continuing the attack. Referees are trained to hold signals long enough for everyone to see them and to make them deliberate rather than rushed.
How to learn referee signals
- Study the Laws of the Game, especially Laws 5 and 6.
- Watch matches and notice each signal as decisions are made.
- Practice with teammates, calling out what each signal means.
- Take a beginner referee course, which many associations offer.
- Referee small-sided games to build confidence.
Common misunderstandings
- Thinking advantage means no foul. The foul still happened and may be punished later.
- Missing the indirect free kick signal, then shooting directly.
- Assuming every restart needs a whistle. Many do not.
- Thinking a raised flag is always offside. It can also signal a foul or other offense.
Frequently asked questions
What does a raised arm mean in soccer?
An indirect free kick; a goal cannot be scored directly from it.
What does it mean when the referee sweeps both arms forward?
The referee is playing advantage and allowing play to continue.
What does the rectangle signal mean?
The referee is using or has completed a VAR review.
