Today we are going to learn about the referee signals in a soccer game!

But Coach, we already know the rules. Why do we need to know the signals the refs make?

Sometimes in a game, the ref blows his whistle and you don't know why, so it is important to know the signals so that we always know what the ref is communicating!

Okay, that makes sense. Let's learn!!

Kick off: The ref will raise his arm and swing it in a backwards windmill motion to signal the clock has started

Stop the game: If there is an injury or a reason to stop the game before it is time, he will make an X with his arms above his head to signal the clock has been stopped.

Throw in: The ref will hold his arm up in the direction of the team who gets to throw the ball in. His arm is held in the direction that the team is going.

The assistant referee will hold his flag in the same position.

Goal kick: The ref will hold his arm in front of him toward the goal with his palm down.

The assistant ref stands even with the 6 yard box and holds his flag in front of him.

Corner kick: The ref holds his arm up toward the corner that the ball will be kicked in from. The assistant ref stands next to the corner and points his flag down at it.

Direct free kick: The ref will hold his arm up in the direction of the team who won the kick. This means you can score off of the kick!

Indirect free kick: This kick must touch another player before you can score. The ref holds his arm straight up and does not put it down until the ball is kicked and touched by another player.