14C.2.7 Referee Hand Signs
Comments about this discussion:
Started
In the previous rulebook, we had a discussion about the referee hand signs (https://iuf-rulebook-2022.committees.unicycling-software.com/discussions/17). The discussion focused on evaluating the effectiveness of the hand signs, addressing clarity, necessity, and potential alignment with other sports.
I would like to reopen this discussion with a particular focus on adding a few additional hand signs. I have a few specific hand signs in mind but would like to keep this more general for now.
Here's a summary of the key points from the discussion in the previous rulebook committee:
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Number and Clarity of Hand Signs
- Some felt that too many signs caused confusion, while others argued that not having enough made officiating less clear.
- A few signs were considered rarely used, but there was no strong consensus on removing them.
- The Penalty Box sign was considered unclear, as it resembled the sign for a two-hand touch foul.
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Need for Additional Hand Signs
- Several participants suggested new signs for common infractions, while others questioned whether additional signs would be understood by all players.
- Some believed verbal communication could replace certain hand signs.
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Alignment with Other Sports
- Many supported adopting hand signs from sports like floorball or ice hockey to improve clarity.
- There were concerns about modifying existing signs in ways that might conflict with established conventions.
Similar discussion happened already in earlier rulebook committees: https://iuf-rulebook-2016.committees.unicycling-software.com/discussions/45, https://iuf-rulebook-2018.committees.unicycling-software.com/discussions/36
Comment
Slashing (Alternate name needed): Raising opponents stick to high stick. "The players must take care not to hit an opponent with their stick, ...". If this takes place a referee could show the hand sing for slashing.
Hooking
Insults
Delay of Game
These were proposed hand signs.
I think hooking is fine.
Insults I dont mind either way. I believe an insults sign would be for the spectators to understand what the call was rather than the player as I believe the player would still need to have the penalty explained even with a hand signal.
Delay of game I am unsure if we need. Mainly because I think it is hard to come up with a hand signal that intuitively makes sense to people when they see it as "delay of game", and two it will be very rarely used compared to almost all the others meaning few players will remember what it is. Contact, Sub/Sib, Obstruction all reflect the foul that occurred, and they are regularly used meaning they are likely to be understood always. I think the delay of game signal is going to be ineffective in doing what it aims to do.
Comment
I think a sign for "Slashing" is necessary because it's a frequent foul. I agree with Steven that a sign for "delay of game" is not necessary in my opinion.
Comment
Nicolas ongiong asking for more handsign in the rulebook. You are right similar discussion happened already in earlier rulebook committees (2016, 2018), I remember. Having a look on the last comment in 2018 "After internal discussions this weekend nobody lifted his arm for more hand signs. If a referee decision maybe unclear the referee should request a time stop and he should oral explain his decision. We are/ I am happy with the numbers of existing hand sighs. Therefore from me no vote for more hand signs whatever."
"I have a few specific hand signs in mind but would like to keep this more general for now." Here I would follow. If a generic handsign for whatever punishment without specific handsign is needed, I would use from ice hockey "Penalty Shot" - Arms crossed (fists clenched) above the head. (Same sign in basketbal for intential foul.)
Comment
I am still missing some hand signs:
This can be an inspiration: floorball referee hand signs
https://dltaw1vhj9zy5.cloudfront.net/2022/05/Rules-of-the-Game-2022-Final_updated_18.05.2022.pdf
+ to less distance (< 2m) of a defender or defenders stick at a free shot. (floorball sign 915)
+ false start after a goal (defender or defenders stick crosses the middle line before ball or attacker crosses middle line) (floorball sign 922)
+ wrong free shot (double contact of player conducting free shot) (floorball sign 922)
+ players start play (free shot, restart after goal) before the referee reopens play with a whistle blow. (floorball sign 922)
+ time play / delayed play (floorball sign 924)
+ wrong substitution (wrong place, wrong number of players) (floorbal sign 922)
+ player elimination for the rest of the game. (floorball sign 808 with clenched fist)
+ Fernschuss / Goal shot from behind the middle line
+ Slashing (floorball sign 901/903)
+ Ball out if bounds
o change of referee sign for double active body/hand play (floorball sign 920)
Comment
The link as a link
Comment
I prefer having few rather than than introducing many more. The more signs we have the harder it gets for new players and referees to learn them.
Even the "new" sign for SUB is very rarely used in the German hockey league. Free shot sign and a verbal "SUB" works well.
Comment
I cant get the link to work, but if we were to add any hadn signs I woudl only really look at these as potentials. I do not think we need all of them, but they are options that I think would be more frequently used.
+ Fernschuss / Goal shot from behind the middle line
Probably less common on the court size that most europeans play on. More useful in Australia I think
+ Slashing (floorball sign 901/903)
I don't see this much in the games I play, but if it is a common occurence then it makes sense
+ false start after a goal (defender or defenders stick crosses the middle line before ball or attacker crosses middle line) (floorball sign 922)
I only think this is necessary if we change that ruling of what happens when a defender crosses before the attacker on the start. If we provide at advantage play then call play back if no advantage was given and allow the team to play again then I think having a clear sign for what has happened would be usefull. I don't think it is as necessary others.
+ wrong free shot (double contact of player conducting free shot) (floorball sign 922)
I think this is a more common foul