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The referee's raised arm, held up until the kick has touched a second player.
Also known as: Raised arm signal
One arm raised straight above the head means the free kick is indirect: a goal cannot be scored from it directly. The referee keeps the arm up until the ball has touched another player or the kick is over, so everyone can see the condition still applies.
Signals that a free kick is indirect. The Laws require the referee to hold the arm above the head until the kick is taken and the ball touches another player, goes out of play or can no longer be played.
A direct free kick has no signal of its own — the absence of the raised arm is what marks it. The signal exists only for the case that needs a qualification.
Is distinguished from the direct free kick signal by whether the referee's arm stays raised, and the difference decides whether a goal scored straight from the kick counts. The arm is held up until a second player touches the ball; on a direct free kick it is lowered at once.
Contexts: Public information
A standing figure with one arm extended vertically above the head, palm forward, the other arm hanging at the side.
The two free-kick signals differ only in whether the arm stays raised, and decide whether a direct goal stands.
Both are arm signals given immediately after an offence. The raised arm sets a condition on a kick about to be taken; the two arms forward mean play is continuing and no kick will be taken at all.