Violation Signals

Traveling (aka Walking)

What It Means: When the ball handler takes too many steps without
dribbling the basketball, the referee will blow the whistle and call a
traveling violation. This will result in the offensive team losing possession
of the ball (turnover). The traveling signal is made by the referee by
making a rolling/spinning motion with both of his arms.

Double or Illegal Dribble

What It Means: When the ball handler dribbles with both hands at the
same time, that is a double dribble and will result in a turnover for the
offense. A double dribble also occurs when the ball handler picks up his
dribble but then tries to dribble again afterward. The referee’s signal for
an illegal dribble is to do a dribbling motion with both of his hands.
Carrying (or Palming) the Ball

What It Means: This isn’t called much by officials in college basketball or

the NBA but it is called quite a bit during young kids’ games. Carrying
happens when the ball handler either palms the ball or tries to scoop
underneath it instead of dribbling correctly. The penalty for carrying
results in a turnover for the offense.

Kicking

What It Means: When an offensive player kicks the ball on purpose, the

play is blown dead and the referee awards possession to the defense by
allowing them an out-of-bounds throw-in. To call a kicking violation, the
official simply does a kicking motion with one of his feet.

Three Second Violation

What It Means: An offensive player can only be in the paint for less than
three seconds. If he stays in the paint for a full three seconds, the play is
blown dead and the offense must forfeit possession of the ball. To make
the signal for a three-second violation, the referee will put three fingers up
on both hands and keep one arm high and one arm low.

 
Foul Signals

Hand Check

What It Means: When a defender limits an offensive player with his hand,

a hand check call is made by the official. The signal is an open hand in the
air while the other hand grabs the wrist.

Charging

What It Means: When the ball handler runs over a defender who has set
his feet and has established position, the referee will call a charging foul.
This will result in a turnover and will count as a personal foul to the
offensive player. It will also count against the number of team fouls and
may result in free throws if the team is over the limit. To make the
charging call, the official simply puts his hand on his hand and sticks out
his elbow.
Holding

What It Means: A defender cannot hold an offensive player. If he does, a

holding call will be made. To signal holding, the ref holds his wrist. This
results in a personal foul on the defender.
Intentional Foul

What It Means: If an official deems that a defensive player fouls an

offensive player on purpose, an intentional foul is called. This is usually
done by a team near the end of the game with the hopes of extending the
game by stopping the clock. To make the intentional foul signal, the ref
raises both arms over his head and touches his wrists together.
Blocking

What It Means: When a defensive player stands in the way of the ball

handler’s path to the basket without setting his feet, a blocking foul can be
called. If a blocking foul is called, the ball handler will get free throws if his
team is in the bonus. If the team isn’t in the bonus, the ball will be taken
out of bounds from the sideline. To make the blocking call, the official will
put both of his hands on his hips.
Technical Foul

What It Means: Technical fouls are usually issued for unsportsmanlike

conduct. You may have noticed a referee “Teeing” up a coach who yelled
too many curse words at him for a bad call. Technical fouls are also called
on players who are fighting on the court. To signal a technical foul, the ref
simply makes a T with his hands, similar to a timeout signal. When a
technical foul is called, the opposing team gets awarded with one free
throw attempt and possession of the ball.
Pushing

What It Means: Pushing is usually called when a loose ball foul occurs. To

gain possession one player may push another player out of the way. This
counts as a personal foul and a loss of possession. The referee makes a
shoving motion with his arms to signal a pushing foul.