:: NTRA Referee Signals

Signals for Penalties

1. Penalty Sequence: Once the referee identifies an event that should be penalised, they will simultaneously blow the whistle and raise the other arm parallel to the ground in the direction of the team receiving the penalty. (photo 1)

Having moved towards the point where the offence occurred, the referee indicates where the tap will be taken to recommence play. (photo 2) (See rule 20)

The referee then holds this mark indicating to the defenders to move back to a mark 10 metres from where the tap is to be taken. Both arms are extended directly outwards with fingers of both hands splayed and pointing upwards. This indicates the requirement of the 10 metre mark by the defenders. (photo 3)

The 'buddy' referee marks the 10 metres from the sideline, indicating if any players are offside. The onfield referee moves forward with play once the tap is taken. It is not necessary to blow your whistle to restart the game from the tap.

1. Forward Pass: The referee may see the forward pass themselves or it may be signalled by the 'buddy' referee on the sideline. The 'buddy' signals by holding their diagonally across their chest. The onfield referee uses both hands, at chest height a mimed action of passing the ball in a forward motion is made. This is the second stage of the penalty sequence described at "1. Penalties Sequence". (Rule 26)

2. Touch and Pass: The referee holds one arm with the elbow cocked at right angles pointing upwards in front of the body. Then with the other arm sweeps the hand around in front of the body to touch the cocked elbow, indicating a touch. Both hands are then used in a passing motion at chest height to indicate the pass. Both actions used consecutively indicate a touch and pass. This is also the second stage of the penalty sequence described at "1. Penalties Sequence" (Rule 33)

3. Over the Mark: The referee indicates that the player has stepped over the mark where they were touched, playing the ball with no effort to move back to where they were touched. The signal is made with the arm extended in front of the body, making a semi-circular motion to signify being over the mark. Please refer to the penalty sequence described at "1. Penalties Sequence" (Rule 35)

4. No-Freeze Rule: If the referee detects that the players are not moving forward until a touch is effected when the opposition attack has them defending within five metres of their own tryline then a penalty may be given. The referee faces infield and using a pushing motion with the hand to indicate defenders are not moving forward. This is the second stage of the penalty sequence described at "1. Penalties Sequence" (Rule 28)

5. No Touch, Voluntary Rollball: When the referee is positive that a touch has not been effected by either the attacker or defender and the attacker performs a rollball, releasing the ball, then a penatly can be given to the defending team. The signal is given by having the arms bent at right angles, hands with palms upwards making a lifting motion. This is repeated twice. This is also a second stage of the penalty sequence described at "1. Penalties Sequence" (Rule 30 & 32)

6. In the Ruck or Obstruction: If a defender interferes in the ruck area during a play the ball or alternatively players use the referee or other players as an obstruction then a penalty may be given. The referee signals by holding one arm parallel to the ground, the hand is facing downwards with the palm towards the referee. The referee then moves the hand in an arc in front of their body. This signal is performed as a second stage of the penalty sequence described at "1. Penalties Sequence" (Rule 49, 50 & 51)