A soccer referee controls the match and enforces the rules of the game. He has authority to take all disciplinary actions against the players and the team officials. He controls the match along with the help of assistant referees and a fourth official if necessary. The referee makes a series of signals to announce penalties during the play of the game, and those decisions are final. Knowing what the referee's penalty signals mean can help you understand the play of the game.
Whistle Use
A whistle blown by a referee signals a player committed a foul. A harmless foul requires a short blast of the whistle. A longer blast signifies a more serious foul followed by raising the yellow or red card. The whistle also signals to start or stop play.
Play On or Advantage
Pointing both arms out from the body without blowing the whistle signifies a foul. The referee may choose to give you or your opponent an advantage if it appears there is a chance to score. Play should continue until the referee blows the whistle.
Free Kick Direct
A direct free kick is signaled by the referee pointing with the left or right arm raised over his head in the direction of the kick while blowing the whistle. The referee may point at your goal if you committed the foul.
Free Kick Indirect
An indirect free kick is signaled by the referee keeping the arm raised about the head. The arm remains over the head until a player kicks or touches the ball or the ball leaves the field of play.
Penalty Kick
A referee runs to the point of the penalty and stops next to the point. The referee then points directly to the area on the field from which you or a member of the opposing team are to take the penalty kick.
Yellow Card
A referee holds the yellow card above the head to communicate a caution to the player that committed an infraction. Another yellow card from the referee expels the player from the game.
Red Card
Holding the red card above the head signals that a player has committed a serious infraction. The referee expels the player from the field of play for the duration of the game.
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