In terms of signaling and whistling, which sequence is correct when awarding a point and signaling a fault?

• A. Whistle, show which team is awarded the point, then signal the fault
• B. Whistle, signal the fault, then show the point
• C. Signal the fault, then whistle, then show the point
• D. Show the point, then whistle and signal the fault (simultaneously)

Answer: (A)

The essential idea is clear and sequential communication from the referee: stop play with a whistle, then declare which team earned the point, and finally signal the specific fault that ended the rally. The whistle is the universal cue to reset, so that everyone knows the rally is over. After that, showing which team gets the point immediately communicates the outcome to players, coaches, and the scoreboard. Only then is the fault described with a distinct hand signal, which explains why the rally ended in the first place. This order prevents any confusion about whether the fault affected the point and keeps the flow of signals easy to follow. Signaling the fault before naming the point or signaling them simultaneously can lead to mixed messages, whereas the sequence described makes the result and the reason unambiguous.