Use of hand signals

[Greyhnd00]

During our fall rules meeting for NFHS a publication was handed out in which AL Klenietis(butchered the name) was quoted as saying that "the hand signals make sense in the HS game"
Hard to believe that he would advocate something so different then what we are doing in youth USSF.......or is this on the way?

[deep-throat]

Originally posted by Greyhnd00
During our fall rules meeting for NFHS a publication was handed out in which AL Klenietis(butchered the name) was quoted as saying that "the hand signals make sense in the HS game"
Hard to believe that he would advocate something so different then what we are doing in youth USSF.......or is this on the way?

No, it is not. His point is that in HS soccer around the country you have a huge variance in skill and knowledge level of players, coaches, spectators. The excessive hand-signals that are used may be helpful in those situations. However, under USSF there (generally) is more understanding of the game and therefore they are not needed and should not be used.

[Claymore]

Have fun, guys.

[jc508]

What I object to is REQUIRING those signals (which must have been thought of by some anti-soccer person) for ALL fouls. I would prefer that the referee had the discretion to give a signal or not to do so. When I gave HS signals years ago when they were required, most of the players still asked what that signal meant.

In USSF, there is nothing that forbids signals. When there is a call that may be off the ball or may have been difficult to see by the other players and spectators, it is good to answer polite questions and quizzical looks with a subdued or modest signal. What USSF does not want is undue attention brought to the referee because of his/her overly demonstrative signals (i.e. HS signals).

I was privileged to have worked a game with Mr. Kleinaitis, and he often used subtle signals to tell the players what he called, and this communication, I believe, helped his overall control of the match. If it helps, why shouldn't we use them too.

[deep-throat]

Originally posted by jc508
In USSF, there is nothing that forbids signals. When there is a call that may be off the ball or may have been difficult to see by the other players and spectators, it is good to answer polite questions and quizzical looks with a subdued or modest signal. What USSF does not want is undue attention brought to the referee because of his/her overly demonstrative signals (i.e. HS signals).


That is correct - a nice summary of USSF stance on this issue.

[whipple]

In practice, I do not see the re-introduced signals as having that much impact on the NF game or how we officiate it. They were never a big deal back in the days when they were previously required, no one paid that much attention or even noticed when the rules we revised, and they were dropped, and it should not be that big a deal now that they are back.

Yes, they can make us look a little silly, and frankly we probalby don't need any help in that area, but when one condsiders that in NF coaches do have status and had always had the right to ask us what a call was, and when a player is cautioned or sent-off we are required to provide a reason to both coaches, these signals could actually come in handy.

Here is the linke to a PDF file of the new signals:

http://www.nfhs.org/PDF/Soccer/soccersignals.pdf

When you look at these, you will probably realize that even though the selection is quite extensive, and there are certain signals we will probably never need, there are others whcih are missing.

[Jeff L]

Without knowing what they are, I agree with some earlier made comment, about being "made up" by someone who doesn't know anything about football (soccer).
The game is simple to play, and simple laws. (rules).
It's probably got a lot to do with the fact that in most other American sports hand signals are used often, and someone is trying to "Americanise" soccer.
Remember the days of the 35 yard "shoot out" in the old NASL.?!!
I recall the late great England captain Bobby Moore who played in the NASL stating, "We want the soccerisation of America, not the Americanisation of soccer".
(Even to the point of requesting 4 quarters and not 2 halves in the World Cup 2002).
Whether it is because it is the world game which America did not have a hand in inventing, and are now trying to put their 10 cents worth in, I know not.
There's not a great deal wrong with the game, and there are enough changes brought about and requested by FIFA without adding to, or trying to make more complicated.
If it's to let coaches know what is happening then perhaps they should try to understand the game more.
As I referee regularly in the USA I am surprised as to how many coaches I have met who haven't even played the game.
The best signal to give and let people see is "play on" with the outstretched arms.

[Jeff L]

A quick history lesson here, although no prizes awarded.
Does anyone know the reason why and where the use of the raised arm came into being to distinguish between the direct and indirect free kick?
I will post the answer this coming Wednesday if no one comes up with it beforehand.

[Alberto]

Jeff, I am posting this here in the event you do not know how to retrieve private mail. This marks the 3 or 4th redundant thread that I have had to merge. I had previously asked you via PM to exercise care when opening threads that were a duplication of a previous thread. If you do not check this thread on a daily basis, I would suggest you review the previous X number of days posts since you last visited, since all posts older than 24 hours are not displayed in the forum. However, just because they are not displayed does not mean they have disappeared into the ether. It means you must take the time to review and read the threads to avoid unecessary duplication and additional work for the moderators of this board. Your anticipated cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Al

[Greyhnd00]

Originally posted by deep-throat


No, it is not. His point is that in HS soccer around the country you have a huge variance in skill and knowledge level of players, coaches, spectators. The excessive hand-signals that are used may be helpful in those situations. However, under USSF there (generally) is more understanding of the game and therefore they are not needed and should not be used. Not buying this justification........Some USSF players are just as clueless as NFHS are...As a matter of fact many times it is the same players with different uniforms. Communication woth the players can be accomplished without these hand signals, communication with the fans is not and should not be a goal of a soccer official.

[deep-throat]

Originally posted by Greyhnd00
Not buying this justification........Some USSF players are just as clueless as NFHS are...As a matter of fact many times it is the same players with different uniforms. Communication woth the players can be accomplished without these hand signals, communication with the fans is not and should not be a goal of a soccer official.

What point are you trying to make? Your initial point seemed to be that you were hopeful that USSF might be going to follow HS lead by adopting more demonstartive signals (we're not). Now you seem to be saying that we should not be doing so (again, we're not).
What IS your point? Seriously ?

[pkCrouse]

Before we all get too crazy (again!) over the issue of hand signals, we need to remember and accept the fact that high school sports are different than club. In many states, including mine (PA), the primary emphasis is supposed to be upon participation by the students. (A nice ideal that isn't always fulfilled.) Often you end up with players, parents and even coaches who have little or no prior experience with the sport. The team is an extension of the school and the education process, which is why many schools would rather employ a teacher as their coach even though that individual may have very little prior experience with the specific sport. In many high school soccer programs, coaches and spectators are all specifically recognized as having a legitimate role to play. It is against that backdrop that the concept of hand signals must be considered. In short, as referees we are expected to help to educate everyone, even during the match. I'm not saying that I like using them, but the federation adopted them because the schools (through their state associations) said they wanted them. They take all of about 1 to 2 seconds to execute and they have absolutely no impact in delaying the restart if done after signaling the direction for the restart. In my experience they have not led to an increase in dissent, which is often predicted by those who have not actually had to use them. As a practical matter, the players don't even bother to look to see the signal since they are already repositioning themselves for the restart. Whether they do anything positive for the coaches or spectators is pretty much a subjective answer, but this is what the schools say they want us to do for now. No big deal.

[kevbrunton]

I agree with pkCrouse on his assessment of the situation.

One thing I'm wondering is if these schools that want us to do it are going to be providing any kind of handout for the spectators showing the signals.

If not, the signals are going to be useless. They still won't know what's being called.

[Greyhnd00]

Originally posted by deep-throat


What point are you trying to make? Your initial point seemed to be that you were hopeful that USSF might be going to follow HS lead by adopting more demonstartive signals (we're not). Now you seem to be saying that we should not be doing so (again, we're not).
What IS your point? Seriously ? Actually I was most interested that a person from USSF was not nly quoted but seemed to be advocating something with respect to officiating that is diametricly opposed to what we are taught in USSF. The only difference between HS and USSF is the people in charge at the top want to put thier own stamp on the game based maiinly out of ignorance.

[Greyhnd00]

Originally posted by kevbrunton
If not, the signals are going to be useless. They still won't know what's being called.

HS soccer is as different from state to state as the climate. There is not ONE description that fits all areas. In northern michigan the same players play HS as play club so the rule cahnges only complicate the question.
Even if the fans memeorized the new signals, what would they mean to them without explaination? I cant get the players and coaches to read the laws let alone the fans.

[Statesman]

I think it's a bit naive to simply state the organizers want to put their "stamp" on the game. We all come from mainly the same background for the most part and I guarantee they don't have people who know nothing of soccer making up these signals.

The primary reasons are for record-keeping and clarity for all involved. Around here the reporters love the extra signals so they can keep track of who is doing what when they write their articles. It also does let the fans, players, and coaching staff know exactly what's going on.

Now, I'm opposed to the signals because of their basic silliness detracting from the professionalism referees so strongly aspire to achieve. We're all for more personal communication and "reading the game." Adding more signals such as these almost detracts from the personal nature of refereeing and keeping control of the game, despite their good intention.

The truth is they have both their pros and cons. I don't care much for them but won't really argue too strongly against them either. Besides, high school sure pays a lot more money for that level than you'll find in the local USSF club :)

[Greyhnd00]

Originally posted by Statesman
I think it's a bit naive to simply state the organizers want to put their "stamp" on the game. We all come from mainly the same background for the most part and I guarantee they don't have people who know nothing of soccer making up these signals.

The primary reasons are for record-keeping and clarity for all involved. Around here the reporters love the extra signals so they can keep track of who is doing what when they write their articles. It also does let the fans, players, and coaching staff know exactly what's going on.

Now, I'm opposed to the signals because of their basic silliness detracting from the professionalism referees so strongly aspire to achieve. We're all for more personal communication and "reading the game." Adding more signals such as these almost detracts from the personal nature of refereeing and keeping control of the game, despite their good intention.

The truth is they have both their pros and cons. I don't care much for them but won't really argue too strongly against them either. Besides, high school sure pays a lot more money for that level than you'll find in the local USSF club :) I can only comment on what I have encountered here in michigan. We just had our fall rules meeting and it was run by a woman who has ZERO experience as a soccer referee. I have to say that your comment about reporters being the primary reason is as problematic as the fans....They arent going to know the signals either. And I can tell you that the reporters have never been listed among those we are trying to communicate in any meeting Ive attended or anything I have read.
Finaly to underestimate the political aspect of HS sports is in my opinion a VERY naive thing to do.

[soccernutter]

Originally posted by Jeff Lancaster
Without knowing what they are, I agree with some earlier made comment, about being "made up" by someone who doesn't know anything about football (soccer).
The game is simple to play, and simple laws. (rules).


It is not the "yes" and "no" that present the problem, but the "why" or "why not."

It's probably got a lot to do with the fact that in most other American sports hand signals are used often, and someone is trying to "Americanise" soccer.
Remember the days of the 35 yard "shoot out" in the old NASL.?!!
I recall the late great England captain Bobby Moore who played in the NASL stating, "We want the soccerisation of America, not the Americanisation of soccer".
(Even to the point of requesting 4 quarters and not 2 halves in the World Cup 2002).
Whether it is because it is the world game which America did not have a hand in inventing, and are now trying to put their 10 cents worth in, I know not.
There's not a great deal wrong with the game, and there are enough changes brought about and requested by FIFA without adding to, or trying to make more complicated.


Paul Gardner writes in World Soccer (Aug 02, pg 18-19) of the need to improve officiating through transparancy. IOW, knowing (not just understanding) what the official is calling. An idea he suggested is adding a few hand signals. How many hand signals do we use right now? Adding 2 or 3 more is not gonna kill us.

If it's to let coaches know what is happening then perhaps they should try to understand the game more.
As I referee regularly in the USA I am surprised as to how many coaches I have met who haven't even played the game.
The best signal to give and let people see is "play on" with the outstretched arms.

Therein lies the problem with HS and younger age kids - many don't know the game (players, coaches, parents) as well as we do. The additional signals will only help those who do know. Knowing this, and officiating a league that is U14, I will gladly explain a rule for a parent if they ask me (usually in hypthitical terms). I will also take 10 seconds to tell the player what they did wrong as well. I know this doesn't work across the board, but I saw a visable improvement of the players' and parents' behavior as league play progressed.

[Greyhnd00]

Originally posted by soccernutter


It is not the "yes" and "no" that present the problem, but the "why" or "why not."

[b]

Paul Gardner writes in World Soccer (Aug 02, pg 18-19) of the need to improve officiating through transparancy. IOW, knowing (not just understanding) what the official is calling. An idea he suggested is adding a few hand signals. How many hand signals do we use right now? Adding 2 or 3 more is not gonna kill us.
[b]

Therein lies the problem with HS and younger age kids - many don't know the game (players, coaches, parents) as well as we do. The additional signals will only help those who do know. Knowing this, and officiating a league that is U14, I will gladly explain a rule for a parent if they ask me (usually in hypthitical terms). I will also take 10 seconds to tell the player what they did wrong as well. I know this doesn't work across the board, but I saw a visable improvement of the players' and parents' behavior as league play progressed.
1)High school soccer is not played by U14 players.
2) FIFA has not adopted these hand signals. Since MOST of the world played under FIFA and not NFHS it is interesting that they seem to learn the game well without them.

[soccernutter]

Originally posted by Greyhnd00

1)High school soccer is not played by U14 players.
2) FIFA has not adopted these hand signals. Since MOST of the world played under FIFA and not NFHS it is interesting that they seem to learn the game well without them.

The point was examples. As I'm sure you know, FIFA is horendous in presenting reasons for calls that were made. The opinion that was stated was for the use of hand signals, to imporve transparancy. Maybe NFHS goes overkill, but the idea is sound, IMO. And BTW, most of the world is not high school.

I also realize the age difference, which was only used to illustrate a point (also keep in mind it is club level, not AYSO or similar, thus, the parents being a bit more knowldgeable). The point of the post was transparancy of calls, and what the sticking points may be (as experience by myself). But, really, what kind of responsability do we, officials, have to the parents/fans?

To relate this idea to HS, I hated it when the official held the game up for some technical reason that kept the game from flowing, as well as the bitching that some of the parents did on my team (though I must say that alot of the parents were knowledgable in the laws of soccer).

Yes, I took my comments away from NFHS rules, but I was also talking in general terms, in responce to what was said that was not specifically about NFHS.