AFL Umpire Signals: Complete Visual Guide

AFL Umpire Signals: Complete Visual Guide

If you’ve ever watched an Aussie Rules match and wondered what the umpire is waving about, you’re not alone. Umpire signals are the quickest way to understand what’s happening on the field, from marks to free kicks to scores. Let’s break down the key signals you’ll see in any game, from the MCG to your local oval.

Mark

When an umpire blows their whistle and raises both arms straight up, they’re signalling a mark. This happens when a player catches the ball cleanly from a kick of at least 15 metres. A mark stops play, and the player gets an uncontested kick from that spot. For example, if a forward takes a mark inside 50, they’ll have a shot at goal without pressure.

Free Kick

A single arm raised straight up, with the whistle blown, means a free kick. The umpire will then point the arm toward the team that gets the ball. This is a penalty for an infringement, like a push in the back or a high tackle.

Goal

When a player kicks the ball through the big posts (the goalposts) without it being touched, the umpire signals a goal by pointing both arms toward the centre of the ground. This is worth 6 points.

Behind

If the ball goes through the outer posts (the behind posts), or is touched on the way through, the umpire signals a behind by raising one arm at a 45-degree angle. This is worth 1 point.

Throw In

When the ball goes out of bounds on the full (without bouncing), the umpire signals a throw in by raising both arms above their head and then lowering them in a throwing motion. The ball is then thrown back into play by a boundary umpire.

Play On

If a player is tackled and the umpire deems the tackle legal, they’ll signal play on by holding one arm up and moving it forward. This means play continues.

50-Metre Penalty

When an umpire calls a 50-metre penalty, they signal by holding both arms out to the side and then moving them as if measuring 50 metres. This is a severe penalty, often for time-wasting or abuse, and moves the ball forward 50 metres.

Deliberate Out of Bounds

If a player intentionally kicks the ball out of bounds without pressure, the umpire signals deliberate out of bounds by pointing one arm toward the boundary. The result is a free kick to the other team.

Holding the Ball

When a player is tackled and doesn’t dispose of the ball correctly, the umpire signals holding the ball by pointing a finger toward the ground and then raising it. This is a free kick to the tackler.

High Tackle

If a tackle makes contact above the shoulders, the umpire signals a high tackle by raising one hand to their own neck or head. This is a free kick to the player tackled.

Push in the Back

When a player pushes an opponent in the back during a contest, the umpire signals push in the back by placing one hand on their own back. This is a free kick to the player who was pushed.

Running Too Far

If a player runs more than 15 metres without bouncing or disposing of the ball, the umpire signals running too far by making a circular motion with one arm. This is a free kick to the other team.

Centre Bounce

At the start of each quarter or after a goal, the umpire signals a centre bounce by bouncing the ball in the centre circle. This is unique to AFL.

Time On

If the umpire stops the clock for a delay, they signal time on by holding both arms above their head and crossing them. This stops the game clock.

Out of Bounds on the Full

If the ball goes out of bounds without bouncing, the umpire signals out of bounds on the full by raising both arms and then pointing to the boundary. This results in a throw-in.

Score Review

When the umpire isn’t sure if the ball crossed the goal line, they signal a score review by drawing a rectangle in the air with both hands. This triggers a video review.

Final Signal

At the end of a quarter or match, the umpire signals time by blowing the whistle and holding one arm straight up. This means play stops.

These signals are the language of the game, helping fans, players, and coaches understand what’s happening. Next time you tune into a game, you’ll know exactly what the umpire means. For more on the rules, check out our rules-positions guide, afl-field-dimensions, and afl-scoring-system articles.