NFL Rules & Regulations on Signals

Trying to interpret the myriad of NFL signals and regulations that take place during a typical football game can be a daunting task. Around 20 different signals may be given within a single game. Once you learn what these signals and regulations mean, you can understand and enjoy a game much more.

  1. Touchdown and Field Goal

    • To signal a touchdown or field goal, the referee will extend both arms straight overhead, pointing to the sky.

    Safety

    • A safety occurs when a team on offense crosses the out-of-bounds line or is downed in its own end zone. The referee will signal a safety by raising his arms over his head and placing his palms together.

    First Down

    • A first down is indicated by pointing one arm out at a 90-degree angle toward the other team's goal line.

    Fourth Down

    • To indicate fourth down, the referee will raise one arm overhead and make a fist.

    Illegal Touch

    • When the ball is touched illegally (i.e., kicked or batted) by a player, the referee will tap both of his shoulders simultaneously with his fingers.

    Timeout

    • A timeout is indicated by raising both arms in the air and crossing them into an "X."

    Time In

    • To indicate when time starts again after a timeout, the referee will make a circular pattern with one arm.

    Delay of Game

    • The signal for delay of game is extending both arms out and folding the arms in toward each other.

    False Start or Illegal Formation

    • A false start or illegal formation is indicated by the referee rotating his arms repeatedly in a circular manner in front of his body.

    Personal Foul

    • To signal a personal foul against one team, the referee will raise both arms overhead and have one hand open and chopping the other arm.

    Face Mask

    • A face mask penalty is indicated by first doing the personal foul signal then pulling the hand up and down in front of the face, to simulate a player pulling on another player's face mask.

    Holding

    • The holding signal is when a referee has both arms in front of his chest and holds the wrist of one arm. The fist of the arm he is holding is clenched as well.