REFEREE
SIGNALS.
Empower referees, linespeople, and off-ice crews with a unified visual and verbal language. Each signal pairs the standard motion with Arabic terms so everyone on the ice — and in the stands — stays synchronized.
Gesture, terminology, Usage
Every call in the EHL is an opportunity to educate players and fans. Use these cards to drill the mechanics — then echo the bilingual phrases until they feel automatic.
Penalty enforcement
Signals referees use to indicate common infractions. Pairing each gesture with the Arabic term keeps benches aligned and reinforces shared vocabulary.
Tripping
عرقلةPronounced ʿarqala
- Motion
- Sweep one arm low across the body to mimic taking the legs out.
- Usage
- Call when a stick, skate, or body causes an opponent to fall by contact below the knees.
Hooking
خطافPronounced khuṭāf
- Motion
- Pull one arm toward the waist with a curved gesture, like a hook.
- Usage
- Used when a player restrains an opponent with the stick around the hips or arms.
Slashing
ضربة عصاPronounced ḍarbat ʿaṣā
- Motion
- Strike the forearm with the opposite hand in a chopping motion.
- Usage
- Called for forceful swings of the stick that make contact with an opponent.
High sticking
عصا مرتفعةPronounced ʿaṣā murtafiʿa
- Motion
- Tap both hands above the head height with the stick imaginary.
- Usage
- Signaled when the stick makes contact with an opponent above the shoulders.
Game flow & scoring
Gestures that communicate the state of play. Deliver the cue in English and Arabic so off-ice crews and bilingual audiences stay informed.
Goal awarded
هدف محتسبPronounced hadaf muḥtasab
- Motion
- Point emphatically at the net with one arm extended.
- Usage
- Confirm the puck fully crossed the goal line—announce "Goal" and "Hadaf" together.
No goal / washout
لا هدفPronounced lā hadaf
- Motion
- Wave both arms horizontally across the body.
- Usage
- Used when the puck is waved off for interference, a high stick, or goalie control.
Icing
تجميدPronounced tajmīd
- Motion
- Cross both arms above the head and then point to the faceoff spot.
- Usage
- Signal after the whistle to indicate an automatic faceoff in the defending zone.
Offside
تسللPronounced tasallul
- Motion
- Extend one arm straight out at shoulder height toward the offending blue line.
- Usage
- Communicate that the attacking team entered the zone before the puck.
Bench & safety management
Use these cues to keep benches organized and ensure player safety in fast-changing situations.
Delayed penalty
عقوبة مؤجلةPronounced ʿuqūba muʾajala
- Motion
- Raise one arm vertically until the offending team gains possession.
- Usage
- Alert goaltenders to skate off for the extra attacker and shout "Delayed" / "Muʾajala".
Player ejection
طرد لاعبPronounced ṭard lāʿib
- Motion
- Point at the penalized player and direct them to the dressing room with sweeping gestures.
- Usage
- Clearly communicate major penalties or misconducts requiring removal from the game.
Injury stoppage
إصابةPronounced iṣāba
- Motion
- Cross arms overhead then point urgently to medical staff or the bench.
- Usage
- Stops play for injured skaters—use calm, clear tone in both languages.
Line change management
تبديل الخطPronounced tabdīl al-khaṭṭ
- Motion
- Wave both hands palm up toward the bench in a controlled motion.
- Usage
- Remind benches to complete legal substitutions and avoid too-many-men calls.
Communication Habits
Layering audio cues on top of crisp body language builds trust with players, coaches, and spectators. Adopt these routines to keep every whistle crystal clear.
- 01
Lead with visuals, reinforce with words
Deliver the full signal first, then add concise English and Arabic phrases. This sequence ensures the arena sees the call before hearing multilingual confirmation.
- 02
Standardize phonetics in the locker room
Review pronunciations with linespeople and scorekeepers pre-game so the same sounds echo from ice level to announcement booth.
- 03
Mirror cues for broadcast
After each whistle, reset your stance facing the primary camera and repeat the call in Arabic to support livestream captions and highlight packages.
Make every call automatic.
Set aside 10 minutes before every game to cycle through the full library: silent run-throughs, partner critiques, then rapid-fire bilingual callouts. Consistency during practice eliminates hesitation during live play.