Cricket Umpire Signals
1. Out
An Out-decision means that the umpire has upheld an appeal by the fielding side and
the batsman has been dismissed.
Umpire signal: Raised index finger in the air.
2. Not Out
If an ‘out’ decision is successfully overturned on review, the umpire should confirm
that the batsman is ‘not out’.
Umpire Signal: The signal is made by waving the arms in a sweeping motion out in
front of the chest.
3. No Ball
This signal is made when a bowler has sent down an illegal delivery which constitutes
a No Ball under the laws.
Umpire Signal: One arm fully extended horizontally.
4. Free Hit
A Free Hit will follow certain types of No Ball Deliveries.
Umpire Signal: One hand held above their head and making a circular
motion.
5. Wide Ball
If a wide ball passes the batsman and is deemed to be out of reach when they
are standing in their normal stance.
Umpire Signal: Both arms extended horizontally.
6. Four Runs
Four runs are signalled when the ball passes the boundary after bouncing at least
once.
Umpire Signal: The signal is made by sweeping the right hand across the body three
or four times.
7. Six Runs
Six runs are scored when the batsman hits the ball over the boundary without it
bouncing.
Umpire Signal: Both arms held high above their head.
8. Bye
A bye is scored when the ball travels past the stumps and the batsmen can run.
The ball must not hit the bat or any part of their body.
Umpire Signal: One arm held extended above their head.
9. Leg Bye
Leg Byes are scored when the batsmen run after the ball has hit the batter’s leg or
any part of their body, excluding the glove.
Umpire Signal: Raising a knee and tapping it with their hand.
10. Bouncer
If a ball bounces above shoulder level, the umpire will signal a bouncer.
Umpire Signal: The signal is made by the umpire tapping their right shoulder.
11. DRS or Third Umpire
The batting or fielding side can call for the decision review system if they want an
on-field decision reviewed.
Umpire Signal: Forming a square/rectangle with their hands.
12. Dead Ball
A dead ball can be called in several circumstances. Typically, the batter may pull
away when the bowler is in their delivery stride.
Umpire Signal: The umpire will sweep both arms across their knees and call ‘dead
ball’.
13.Short Run
If a batsman fails to ground their bat beyond the popping crease, the umpire should
declare a short run.
Umpire Signal: The umpire will tap their shoulder with their arm extended and call
‘one short’
14. Penalty Runs
Penalty runs are awarded to batting or bowling sides for several different
offences.
Umpire Signal: The umpire brings his or her hand across their chest and
places it on their shoulder. If they tap their shoulder, runs go to the batting side
but, if the hand stays in place, runs go to the fielding side.
15. Revoke Decision
A decision is revoked if it is overturned by the third umpire on review.
Umpire Signal: The umpire will cross their arms across their chest and then
make a sweeping motion below their waist.
16.Powerplay
Powerplays apply in limited overs cricket with fielding restrictions in place.
Umpire Signal: The umpire rotates their arm in the air in a ‘windmill’ motion.
17.Soft Signal
The soft signal is an indication to the third umpire as to what
the decision is more likely to be.
Umpire Signal: The umpire will make either the regular out or
not out signals.
18. New Ball
A new ball can be taken after every 80 overs in first class
cricket.
Umpire Signal: The umpire holds the new ball in the
direction of the scorers.
19.Last Hour
First class cricket has a final hour in place on the last day
of the match.
Umpire Signal: Wrist held above their head and pointing to
their watch.
20.Cancel Call
If, for any reason, the umpire has made an incorrect decision, they can use the cancel call
signal.
Umpire Signal: Arms crossed and touching the shoulders with the opposite hand.
