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Quizzes > Sports

Basketball Referee Signals Quiz: Technical Foul to Travel

Quick, free quiz to test your knowledge of official hand signals in basketball. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Ramgopal KrishnaUpdated Aug 28, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration of basketball referee showing court signals and foul calls on teal background for skills quiz

This quiz helps you practice basketball referee hand signals, from technical foul to traveling, so you can make the right call fast. For a broader challenge, try the basketball iq test, or warm up your facts with basketball trivia questions.

Which official hand signal indicates a personal foul?
Both arms extended forward with palms up.
Both hands placed on the hips.
A closed fist bent at the elbow and raised to the side.
An open hand raised above the head.
The personal foul signal is made by raising a closed fist at the elbow to alert players and scorekeepers to personal contact. This signal is standard in professional and amateur basketball leagues. The fist differentiates it from other violations that use open-hand or T-shaped signals.
Which signal indicates a traveling violation?
Pointing one finger upward above the head.
Forming a T with the hands above the head.
Rotating one hand with palm down in a rocking motion.
Both fists placed on the hips.
Traveling is signaled by rocking one hand palm down in a side-to-side motion to show that a player moved illegally without dribbling. This helps officials and scorers instantly recognize movement violations. The palm-down rotation is distinct from dribble or foul signals.
Which signal indicates a double dribble violation?
Both hands palm down moving alternately in small circles.
Hands forming a T shape above the head.
One hand palm down rocking side to side.
A closed fist bent at the elbow.
Double dribble is indicated by both hands palm down moving alternately in small circular motions to show an illegal dribbling repeat. The double-hand motion distinguishes it from a traveling call. This signal is recognized across major basketball associations.
Which hand signal indicates a charging foul?
Hands forming a T above the head.
A closed fist placed firmly on the hip.
Both arms extended forward at shoulder height.
Rotating one hand palm down.
A charging foul is signaled by placing a closed fist on the hip, indicating that an offensive player ran into a defender. This is different from blocking, where arms are extended. The hip-fist signal clarifies contact positioning on the court.
Which signal indicates a blocking foul?
Both arms extended horizontally at shoulder height.
Hands forming a T above the head.
A closed fist on the hip.
One hand palm down rocking.
Blocking is signaled by extending both arms out at shoulder height to show illegal defensive contact. It contrasts with charging, where a fist on the hip is used. The wide arm position mimics the defender's illegal stance.
Which signal indicates a successful three-point field goal?
A closed fist bent at the elbow.
Both arms fully extended above the head with three fingers raised on each hand.
Both arms forming a T shape.
One arm above the head with two fingers raised.
A successful three-point field goal is signaled by raising both arms overhead and holding up three fingers on each hand. The dual-arm signal clearly communicates the extra point value beyond a two-pointer. This gesture is consistent in professional and collegiate play.
Which signal indicates a successful two-point field goal?
Both arms extended at shoulder height.
One arm raised above the head with two fingers extended.
Rotating one hand palm down.
Hands forming a T above the head.
A successful two-point field goal is indicated by raising one arm above the head with two fingers extended. This distinguishes it from the three-point signal, which uses both arms. The clear finger count aids scoreboard operators.
Which signal indicates goaltending or basket interference?
Raising one hand above the head with the palm facing up, then pushing down.
Both hands on the hips.
Hands forming a T above the head.
Rotating both hands palm down.
Goaltending or basket interference is signaled by raising one hand above the head with the palm up and then pushing it downward. This motion represents an illegal block of the ball's downward path. It alerts scorers to award the basket or free throws.
Which signal indicates a technical foul?
Both arms extended forward with palms down.
One hand raised above the head with a finger pointing.
A closed fist on the hip.
Forming a T with one hand vertical and one horizontal in front of the chest.
A technical foul is signaled by forming a T with one hand vertical and the other horizontal in front of the chest to indicate a non-contact violation or unsportsmanlike behavior. This T shape is distinct from a timeout signal. The gesture communicates to scorers and spectators the nature of the technical foul.
How is a double foul signaled by the official?
Rotating both hands palm down.
Hands forming a T above the head.
Both arms extended at shoulder height.
Placing one fist on each shoulder simultaneously.
A double foul is signaled by placing one fist on each shoulder at the same time, indicating simultaneous fouls by both teams. This helps to manage the game flow when both players commit fouls in the same play. The dual-fist gesture is unique to double foul calls.
Which signal indicates a backcourt violation?
Rotating one hand palm down.
Both hands forming a T above the head.
One arm pointing toward the backcourt and the other toward the frontcourt.
A closed fist on the hip.
A backcourt violation is signaled by pointing one arm towards the backcourt and the other arm towards the frontcourt, indicating the team illegally returned the ball past midcourt. This clarifies possession error direction. The dual-arm pointer distinguishes it from other infractions.
Which signal does a coach use to request a timeout from the sideline?
One fist on each shoulder.
Forming a T with both hands above the head.
Hands on hips.
Rotating one hand palm down.
A timeout request is signaled by forming a T with both hands above the head, which is the same visual cue players and officials look for to stop play. The overhead T is distinct from the technical foul T made at chest level. It ensures clear communication of a coach's request.
How does an official signal alternating possession after a held ball?
Both fists on the hips.
Extending one arm horizontally toward the team entitled to possession.
Rotating both hands palm down.
Forming a T with hands above the head.
Alternating possession is signaled by extending one arm straight out horizontally toward the team awarded the ball after a held ball. This direct pointer shows which sideline will inbound the ball. It is distinct from foul or timeout signals.
Which signal indicates a jump ball situation?
Both hands raised and then tossed upward, mimicking a jump.
One hand palm down rocking.
Both fists on the hips.
Forming a T with the hands.
A jump ball is signaled by raising both hands and then tossing them upward to mimic the ball toss between players. This clearly indicates the neutral jump situation. The visual cue differs from foul or possession signals.
Which signal indicates a shot-clock violation?
Forming a T with the hands.
One arm pointing toward the backcourt.
Both arms raised overhead with palms facing each other, then moving in a circular motion.
Rotating one hand palm down.
A shot-clock violation is signaled by raising both arms overhead with palms facing each other and rotating them to mimic a clock running out. This circular motion communicates that the shot-clock expired without a shot. It is a unique signal distinct from other violation indicators.
Which signal indicates a successful free throw?
Rotating one hand palm down.
One fist on the hip.
Both arms forming a T above the head.
Raising one arm straight up with the index finger extended.
A made free throw is signaled by raising one arm straight up with the index finger extended to indicate one point has been scored. This differs from field goal signals that use two or three fingers. The singular finger confirms free throw scoring.
Which signal does an official use to indicate a player substitution?
Forming a T with the hands above the head.
Both arms extended to the sides with palms down, then rotating forward.
Rotating one hand palm down.
One fist on the hip.
A substitution is signaled by extending both arms to the sides with palms down, then rotating them forward in a sweeping motion. This indicates out-of-bounds players coming in and going out. The movement resembles a gate opening.
Which signal indicates basket interference by a defensive player?
Forming a T with the hands above the head.
Raising one arm above the head with the palm up and holding it steady.
Both arms extended at shoulder height.
Rotating one hand palm down.
Basket interference is signaled by raising one arm above the head with the palm up and holding it stationary, indicating illegal touching of the ball within the cylinder. The steady palm up shows the interference occurred above the rim. This is distinct from goaltending, which includes a downward push.
Which signal indicates a delay-of-game violation?
Rotating one hand palm down.
Forming a T with the hands above the head.
Both arms extended horizontally with palms down, then brought down sharply.
One arm raising and lowering repeatedly.
A delay-of-game violation is signaled by extending both arms horizontally with palms down and then bringing them down sharply to emphasize the stoppage. This shows that play was illegally held up. The motion mimics pushing down on a delayed action.
Which signal indicates a flagrant foul?
Both arms extended at shoulder height.
Forming a T with the hands and then waving one hand downward.
Both fists on the hips.
One arm palm down rocking.
A flagrant foul is signaled by forming a T with the hands at chest level, then waving one hand downward to indicate excessive or violent contact. This conveys the severity beyond a normal personal foul. It alerts everyone to the dangerous nature of the foul.
Which signal indicates a defensive three-second violation?
Both arms forming a T above the head.
Rotating one hand palm down.
Both hands placed on the hips.
Raising one arm straight up, then swinging it down beside the body.
A defensive three-second violation is signaled by raising one arm straight up and then swinging it down beside the body, indicating an illegal stationary position in the lane. The motion shows time expiring in the paint. This differentiates it from other timing signals.
Which signal indicates a bench technical foul assessed to the team rather than an individual player?
A closed fist raised above the head.
Both fists on the hips while pointing to the scorer's table.
Both hands extending upwards, then rotating.
Forming a T with the hands at chest level, then pointing toward the bench area.
A bench technical foul is signaled by forming a T at chest level (for technical) and then pointing toward the bench area to identify the team. This clarifies that the violation is administrative rather than by an individual player. Proper pointing ensures the correct party is penalized.
Which signal indicates an illegal screen (moving screen) violation?
Both arms extended at shoulder height.
Rotating one hand palm down.
Forming a T above the head.
Raising one arm bent at the elbow and moving it back and forth in front of the chest.
An illegal or moving screen is signaled by raising one arm bent at the elbow and moving it back and forth in front of the chest to show the screener did not hold position. The motion replicates the shifting contact. This clarifies that the screener moved into the defender.
Which FIBA signal indicates an unsportsmanlike foul?
Rotating one hand palm down.
Both fists on the hips.
Forming a T with both hands above the head.
Thumb down with one hand raised, then hand placed on opposite shoulder.
Under FIBA rules, an unsportsmanlike foul is signaled by a thumbs-down gesture with one hand raised followed by placing that hand on the opposite shoulder. This differentiates it from a normal personal or technical foul. The shoulder touch signifies severity of conduct.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Basic Referee Hand Signals -

    Understand the standard referee hand signals for basketball to recognize different violations and foul calls on the court.

  2. Interpret Basketball Fouls and Signals -

    Learn how to accurately read basketball fouls and signals to distinguish between personal, technical, and flagrant fouls during gameplay.

  3. Differentiate NCAA Basketball Signals -

    Familiarize yourself with NCAA basketball signals, noting variations from professional officiating cues for college-level games.

  4. Apply Signals in Practice Scenarios -

    Simulate real-game situations by applying basketball hand signals to improve decision-making and on-court communication.

  5. Recall Referee Signals Meaning -

    Commit key basketball referee signals meaning to memory, boosting your confidence in identifying gestures under pressure.

  6. Enhance Game Management Skills -

    Analyze combinations of signals to better understand game flow and support effective officiating and coaching strategies.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Personal and Common Fouls -

    Learn the standard referee hand signals for basketball personal fouls by watching for a closed fist raised waist-high - this universal gesture flags any non-shooting foul (NCAA Basketball Signals Manual). Remember the mnemonic "Fist = Fault" to reinforce that a closed fist means a player committed a foul. Reviewing video clips from university officiating clinics helps solidify this fundamental basketball fouls and signals concept.

  2. Charging vs. Blocking -

    Distinguish between charging and blocking calls by noting foot placement: the referee sweeps one arm down to indicate a blocking foul, while pointing shoulder-high at the defender's spot signals charging. Use the phrase "Block down, Charge up" to recall which height corresponds to each call (source: NFHS Officials' Guide). Practicing these basketball referee signals meaning with a partner will build muscle memory.

  3. Violation Signals -

    Violations like traveling and double dribble each have unique basketball hand signals: for traveling, the referee circles both arms in front of the body; for double dribble, they pat one hand atop the other. A quick mnemonic is "Traveling loops, Double dribble taps." Regular drills using NCAA basketball signals video tutorials ensure you never confuse these during game management.

  4. Technical and Flagrant Fouls -

    Technical fouls are indicated by one hand forming a "T," held above the head, while flagrant fouls require the official to extend both arms at shoulder height with open palms (NFHS Mechanics Manual). Remember "T for talk, Arms wide for harm" to differentiate game management cues from serious infractions. Reviewing case studies from official institution rulebooks helps you master these essential basketball hand signals.

  5. Free-Throw and Time-Out Signals -

    Officials use finger counts to indicate the number of free throws - holding up one, two, or three fingers toward the scorer's table - and form a "T" with hands to grant a time-out. Practice by simulating end-of-game scenarios and reciting "Count the shots, Time the break" to lock in referee hand signals for basketball free throws and stoppages. Cross-referencing with FIBA and NCAA guidelines ensures you're ready for any level of play.

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