Hand Signals

[KevinP]

Looking for any info regarding ref hand signals used for communicating, non verbally, with the crew, ie, fists up signaling 11 on field, etc.. thanks

[JRutledge]

This is going to very by crew, association and state and even level. Even something like an 11 count, some variations of it I have seen.

On my crew for a count we have a fist (no thumb). For more we put out 2 fingers. For under 11 we have all 5 fingers out. ButI have worked with other crews that do things slightly different.

Peace

[Sturno]

Straight out arm with extended closed fist for 11.

Thumb up with fist for 12 or more on field.
Thumb down with fist for 10 or less on field.

Wings have their own system with extended arms toward midfield or toward pertinent goal lines, referencing their closest player being on or off the LOS. I've seen some use 2 arms, indicating one on - next one off, for trips or multiples to one side.

[HLin NC]

As Rut said, too many to mention. I worked in a group early on that had me feeling like a 3rd base coach.

Now its fairly simple for us-

Arm back for receiver off the line.
Fist down for 11 on defense. R&U fist up for 11 on offense.
Fist up above shoulder level for wings "4 in the backfield" count.
Arms down, palms back- OOB, arms down palms out, in bounds.

That's it for us.

[bigjohn]

It is silly that different crews use different signals for this type of communication, should be standard mechanics.

[Rich]

Fist for 11.

As an association, we agreed that thumbs were not easy enough to see.

Both hands with 5 fingers on the chest for 10-. One finger with 2 for 12+. Usually a verbal of some kind (calling out their names) to emphasize to the other officials.

John, the signals are for us. As long as the crew on the field knows and responds appropriately, why would you care?

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by bigjohn

It is silly that different crews use different signals for this type of communication, should be standard mechanics.

No. Just like friends communicate differently based on who they are talking to, it is for the crew, not for you or anyone else. All that matters is they understand their communication. And many things are not standard in this area, because not every crew wants or needs to communicate the same things.

Peace