What signal should the first referee use after whistling a ball handling fault on the setter?

When the first referee whistles a ball handling fault on the setter, the appropriate signal is the double hit signal. This is because a double hit typically occurs when a player, most often the setter, contacts the ball with their hands in a manner that causes it to hit the player’s fingers or hands more than once in a single play. This violation can happen during a setting attempt, where the ball may come out in an uncontrolled fashion, indicating improper handling.

Using the double hit signal allows the referee to clearly communicate to players, coaches, and spectators that the fault committed was specifically a double hit by the setter. Additionally, it reinforces the rules surrounding fair play and emphasizes the expectations for how the ball should be cleanly handled during a set.

The other signals, such as the lift signal and illegal hit signal, are used for other types of violations related to ball handling but do not specifically denote a double hit. The service fault signal pertains to issues during the service phase and is not applicable in this situation.