The official football signals [S1 to S47] are described in the rulebook, but in practice officials supplement these with signals of their own or other people's invention in order to aid communication in situations where verbal communication is either impossible or undesirable.
All signals are means of visually communicating a message. The source of the message is the official who gives the signal. The destination of the message may be, in different cases, other officials, players, coaches or spectators. Visual signals may have to be used where either distance or noise prevent audible signals from being heard, or where an audible signal is inappropriate.
Signals Sup11 and Sup12 are intended primarily for communication between the Referee and the on-field timekeeper.
Signals Sup16 to Sup19 are intended for kick out of bounds situations.
Signals Sup20 to Sup22 are intended for communication with the stadium clock operator.
Signals Sup2 and Sup7 are no longer used.
Editor: Jim Briggs, Editor, IAFOA Manual of Football Officiating
jim.briggs.football@gmail.com
Generated: 13/1/2026, 2055