Draft:T gesture

• Comment: Sources provided are either dictionary definitions or sports rulebooks, no significant coverage showing notability. GoldRomean (talk) 21:26, 14 May 2025 (UTC)

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T-sign is a visual gesture formed by positioning one hand or forearm vertically and tapping its fingertips or top edge with the palm or forearm of the other hand held horizontally, creating a "T" shape.

This gesture is commonly recognized internationally and is predominantly used in sports contexts, signaling a request for a timeout or a pause in the game. In cricket, however, the T-sign specifically denotes a request for a review by the third umpire.

Origin

The T-sign gesture emerged primarily in American sports in the early to mid-20th century as part of standardizing officiating signals to ensure clarity and universal understanding during gameplay, particularly with the growing presence of televised events. Basketball, American football, and volleyball were among the first sports to formally adopt and popularize this gesture due to the intuitive visual reference to the letter 'T' for "timeout."

In sports

Basketball

In basketball, referees officially use the T-sign to indicate a timeout, facing the scorer's table while signaling to ensure clear communication. Coaches and players frequently mimic the gesture to request a timeout from referees.

American football

American football referees use a variation where both forearms are placed perpendicular to each other above the head, clearly signaling a timeout. Players and coaches also commonly use the T-sign to request timeouts.

Volleyball

Referees signal timeouts by placing one hand vertically and the other horizontally, visibly forming a 'T' for spectators and participants alike. This method is uniformly used worldwide under guidelines by the FIVB.

Cricket

Unlike other sports, cricket employs the T-sign for players to request a Decision Review System review by the third umpire. Players use their arms or bat to form the T-shape, distinctly different from the timeout context in other sports.

Non-sport contexts

The T-sign has transcended sporting boundaries and entered mainstream communication as a general gesture indicating a pause or interruption, commonly used during conversations, meetings, or activities needing temporary suspension or clarity.