Ever sat in the stands at the 'G or yelled at the TV, wondering exactly what that whistle was for? The game moves at a million miles an hour, and sometimes the umpire’s signals can seem like a secret code. For the Magpie Army, understanding these calls can deepen your appreciation of the game, whether you’re celebrating a Darcy Moore intercept mark or groaning at a free kick against Nick Daicos.
This glossary breaks down the key umpire signals and common calls you’ll hear, cutting through the jargon so you can follow every twist and turn in the AFL.
Holding the Ball
This is one of the most debated calls in the game. It’s paid when a player in possession of the ball is legally tackled and fails to make a genuine attempt to dispose of it correctly (by handball or kick). The umpire will signal by pointing one arm in the direction of the team receiving the free kick.
Mark
The classic signal with both arms extended forward. It’s awarded when a player cleanly catches a kick that has travelled at least 15 metres without being touched. Taking a strong mark is a celebrated skill, something Scott Pendlebury has made an art form over his career.
50-Metre Penalty
A costly infringement! The umpire signals this by extending one arm fully overhead. It’s awarded for minor offences after a free kick or mark has been paid, like wasting time or disrespecting the umpire, and advances the mark 50 metres closer to goal.
Deliberate Out of Bounds
The umpire swings one arm in a wide, low arc. This is paid when the umpire believes a player has intentionally forced the ball over the boundary line. It’s a call that often sparks passionate debate among Collingwood supporters.
Advantage
Play on! The umpire will call "advantage" and wave both hands in a circular motion. This rule allows play to continue if the team who just received a free kick is in a better position by keeping the ball moving, rather than stopping for the set shot.
High Tackle
Signalled by the umpire tapping the side of their own head or neck. A free kick is paid when a tackler makes contact above the shoulders of an opponent. Protecting the player with the ball is a key priority for umpires.
Push in the Back
The umpire uses a pushing motion with one or both hands. This is paid when a player pushes an opponent in the back, either during a contest for a mark or when they are going for the ball on the ground.
Holding the Man
Signalled by the umpire grabbing their own wrist. This occurs when a player restricts an opponent’s ability to move to the ball by holding them, often away from the immediate contest.
Ruck Contest Infringement
The umpire will often mimic a lifting action. A free kick in the ruck can be given for incorrect contact before the ball is bounced or thrown up, such as blocking the opposing ruck’s run-up.
Too High
Similar to a high tackle, this is called in a marking contest. It’s paid when a player jumps on an opponent’s back to try and take a mark, using them as a step-ladder. The signal is a hand placed on the lower back.
Throw
The umpire makes an underarm throwing motion. A handball must be punched off the fist with a closed hand; if the ball is thrown or illegally disposed of, it’s a free kick to the opposition.
Running Too Far
The umpire will roll their arms in a running motion. A player must bounce or touch the ball on the ground at least once every 15 metres while running. Failure to do so results in this call.
Goal
The most beloved signal for the black and white army! Both index fingers are pointed skyward at the centre of the goal line. It’s awarded when the ball is kicked completely between the two big goal posts without being touched.
Behind (Point)
One index finger is pointed skyward. This is scored when the ball passes between a goal and a behind post, touches a goal post, or is touched by a defender before crossing the goal line. Six points for a goal, one for a behind.
Ball Up
The umpire simulates a ball toss. This restarts play when the ball is trapped in a stalemate, often in a pack, with no clear possession. The ruckmen then contest at the site of the ball-up.
Out on the Full
The umpire points one arm out to the side. When the ball is kicked and travels over the boundary line without being touched or bouncing, it results in a free kick to the opposing team where it went out.
Stand
The umpire holds a flat palm towards a player. This command means a player must remain on their mark and cannot move until the umpire calls "play on," usually when a player is taking a set shot for goal.
Play On
The universal signal to keep going. The umpire waves both hands in front of them. This is called when a player infringes during general play but the opposing team gains an advantage, or when a player with the ball moves off their line.
Incorrect Disposal
Often linked with holding the ball, this specific call is for when a player being tackled simply drops the ball or throws it. The signal is similar to the "throw" motion.
Shepherding
A legal and crucial team skill, shepherding is using your body to block an opponent from tackling a teammate. The umpire will only intervene if it’s done illegally, such as by holding or blocking an opponent who is not in the contest.
All Clear
After a goal is scored, the goal umpire waves two flags in a sweeping cross-motion above their head. This signal to the field umpires confirms the score and that play can restart from the centre.
Time On / Time Off
The field umpire will signal time on by pointing to their wrist and then waving play forward. Time off is signalled by crossing their wrists. The clock stops for set shots at goal, injuries, and when the ball is out of bounds.
Prior Opportunity
This isn’t a signal, but a key concept for the "holding the ball" rule. It refers to whether a player had time to dispose of the ball before being tackled. If they did, the tackle is more likely to result in a free kick.
The Bounce
To start each quarter and after a goal, the field umpire bounces the ball in the centre circle. It’s a unique and skilled tradition of the AFL, though a ball-up is often used if the bounce is uneven.
Rushed Behind
Signalled as a regular behind. This is when a defender intentionally forces the ball between their own goal posts to avoid the risk of a goal. It’s a tactical move, but one that gifts a point to the opposition.
Understanding these calls pulls back the curtain on the umpire’s role and helps you see the intricate rules that shape the flow of the game. Next time you’re watching the Pies, whether at Victoria Park for a VFL match or cheering them towards a flag, you’ll be able to read the game like a pro. Want to learn more about the basics of our great game? Dive into our guide on understanding Collingwood and the AFL. And while the umpires keep the players in check, you can get fit to tackle the season yourself by exploring local gyms. For a look at the legends who’ve mastered these rules, check out our list of Collingwood's greatest players of all time.
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