Referees

Hand Signals

Hand signals are used to reinforce the verbal commands. The precise hand signals to use are determined by the rules. They are used mainly to communicate between the referee team, contestants, timekeepers, and scorekeepers, but also they serve to let the spectators know the calls made during the contest. Many hand signals have a verbal counterpart that is initiated at the same time. The hand signal must be precise, vigorous, and held for 2 to 3 seconds. The signal must appear relaxed, without being tight, artificial, or over emphatic. Theatrics are uncalled for, tend to distract the spectators, and take away from the match itself.

When the referee makes a judgmental call,  he or she must display the signal such that it is clearly seen by the judges and contestants. Every hand signal should be locked into position with slight turns in both directions to allow everyone to see. The turns allow the referee to observe the corner judges without being direct or obvious. During the delivery of hand signals the referee must maintain visual contact with the competitors. On the call of Break or Goman, the voice should be directed to the competitors while the hand signal is directed towards the timekeeper. This is the only signal that does not include turns. As Goman has no relevance to the outcome, the priority is to ensure that the competitors and the time keeper know that time has stopped. In quick action, it may be difficult for the hand signals to keep up with the verbal commands. It is more important that the verbal command is correct rather than the hand signal.