Question Number: 17076

Mechanics 10/3/2007

RE: Varsity High School

Eugene Field of West Hempstead, NY USA asks...

What do you think about a soccer referee working with a whistle in his mouth all during a match like a Basketball official.
I just mention this to a fellow referee who I have a lot of respect about him keeping the whistle in his mouth all during the match and he got really nasty at me telling me that there are no rules on it and that is the way he is doing it. My concern is an accidental whistle during a match. He did not want to hear it. What are your thoughts on this issue.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

As you say, there could be an inadvertent whistle. Or broken teeth, if the ball suddenly appears in his face.

It's a matter of referee preference. You mentioned it, he chose not to listen, now it's his problem not yours.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

When I think about things like that I picture an overweight "gent" bouncing around and I hear a faint tweet each time a foot hits the ground. I see a referee who has never taken a referee certification class and a referee who has little respect for The Game, even the high school game. I see a referee who has never met an assessor. I see players who laugh at him behind his back. I see a referee who can't talk to players.

I try not thinking about one of "those" referees because it brings tears to my eyes...

Don't be concerned about the accidental whistle, worry more about the instant whistle killing off a sure goal, a sure advantage and all the other things accompanying a too fast whistle. A word of warning does come to mind as well, don't be in front of him late in the match if he has enough wind left to blow it, it will be full of spit and go every place!

See why I try not to think about "gents" who run around with a whistle in their mouth?

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Jon Sommer

Well refereeing is all about communication....now try talking with a whistle in your mouth! It doesnt work does it! having a whistle in your hand gives you time to look as you bring the whistle to your mouth, an advantage may be about to unfold and you will have that split second extra to allow this to happen.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Running about with a whistle in your mouth is a BAD idea. That's just my $.02

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

The only thing with a whistle in the mouth is as mentioned the inability to shout or talk and possibly blown accidentally or when it is full of spit in the vicinity of the players. Nothing of that is good.

Holding a whistle in the hand on a laynard is the best way to use this communicative device. It allows you time to arrive at decision not be too hasty. The trick here though is do not keep raising the whistle to the mouth and then change the mind to lower it unless you are signalling advantage.
The players see the whistle up as you think about the decision then pulled away invites you saw the foul but chickened out . It took a while but the whistle does not come up unless I blow it or if I pull it away I am signalling advantage. No halfers if it can be avoided!
Cheers