Referee and assistant signals
World Rugby · 2026Recognising decisions, explanations and requests for assistance.
Primary decisions and explanations
The main signals distinguish the decision from its explanation. For a penalty, the referee points an arm diagonally upward towards the non-offending team; for a free-kick, the upper arm points towards that team with the elbow bent. A horizontal arm towards the team throwing in indicates a scrum. A raised vertical arm with the referee facing away from the dead-ball line signals a try or penalty try. An arm extended at waist height towards the non-offending team signals advantage. Secondary gestures then identify causes such as a forward pass, a knock forward, failure to release or illegal entry.
Cards, time and assistance
A yellow card signals a caution and temporary suspension; a red card excludes the player permanently from the match. Suspension duration and replacement consequences must be read with the applicable laws and format. A television-shaped hand gesture indicates TMO consultation; a T-shaped gesture indicates time off. Arms crossed above the head indicate a bleeding injury, while both arms raised request a doctor or stretcher. Assistant referees raise a flag for a successful goal or touch, indicating the throwing team at touch; a flag held horizontally infield indicates foul play.
Sources & approach ↗