Referee Signals

Referees use hand signals to help control the play of game. The following is a list of referee signals used in regular hockey matches.

DELAYED PENALTY ICING
Delayed calling of penalty or other violation. Arm extended fully above head (hand without whistle). The back referee of linesman signals a possible icing by fully extending his arm without the whistle over his head. The front referee or linesman indicates the icing is completed by extending his arm over his head. The back referee or linesman will then blow his whistle and skate to the face the spot. When he is standing on the face-off spot, he extends his arms to indicate the icing.
MATCH HANDPASS
Flat part of hand patted on head. Open part of hand displayed in a pushing motion.
PENALTY SHOT GOAL
PENALTY SHOT
Arms crossed above head, giving signal of stoppage in play.
Referee points into the net.
HOLDING SLASHING
Clasping either wrist with the other hand in front of the chest. A chopping motion with the edge of one hand across the opposite forearm.
CHECKING FROM BEHIND HIGH STICKING
A forward motion of both arms, with the palms of the hands open and facing away from the body, fully extended from the chest at shoulder level. Holdings both fists clenched, one immediately above the other at the height of the shoulders.
ROUGHING TRIPPING
Fist clenched and arm extended out of the side of the body. With both skates on the ice striking right leg with the right hand below the knee.
CHARGING WASHING
Rotating clenched fists around one another in front of the chest. No goal or no icing.
BOARDING POSSIBLE ICING
A cross motion of the forearms, one passing under the other. Pass out of defensive zone.
INTERFERENCE SPEARING
Crossed arms with closed fists stationary in front of the chest. A jabbing motion with both hands thrust out directly in front of the body.
HOOKING BUTT-ENDING
A tugging motion with both arms, as if pulling something from in front of the stomach. A cross motion of the forearms, one passing under the other.
KNEEING CROSS CHECKING
Slapping either knee with the palm of the hand whilst keeping both skates on the ice. A forward motion with both fists clenched extending from the chest.
ELBOWING
Tapping either elbow with the other hand.

About the Author

Season ticket holder and Blue Tongues fan since their inception to the AIHL in 2005. Mad hockey fan who has traveled to the other side of the world just to watch the Dallas Stars play live.