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)
The
referee then signals the particular indiscretion (see the following penalty
signals).
 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)
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