How to Read Umpire Signals

Watching a sports umpire can be pretty confusing, almost all of the time. I find it to be a medley of ballet, sign language, Japanese Interpretive Dance, and something like a Grand Maul seizure all rolled into one. I found some good visual guides on how to read what they are saying.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Sports Tickets or a good TV
• Patience
• A High Pain Threshold

1. Typical Baseball Umpire Signals Baseball signals are pretty simple to read. Most of them are above the waist and directed into the center of the play area. See the image for reference.
2. Typical Basketball Umpire Signals Basketball signals are very involved. Like baseball most signals are made above the waist but involve quick movements of the hands or arms. See the image for reference.
3. Typical Football Umpire Signals Football (American) signals are even more complicated. They not only focus on the hands and arms but also use the feet, legs, and sometimes the head. See the image for reference.
4. Typical Hockey Umpire Signals Hockey signals are a lot simpler than football or basketball. It pretty much comes down to "If someone is bleeding it's getting close to time for a call. See the image for reference.
5. Typical Soccer Umpire Signals Finally, Soccer signals. Again, a little more simplified, mostly above the waist and involving motion. See the image for reference.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't focus too much on the Umpires. It will distract from the game.
• Learn as you watch. It will add to the fun of the game without distracting.
• Don't get too obsessed. You'll find yourself screaming profanities at the field or TV when you think the ump is wrong.