Question Number: 18695

Law 7 - Match Duration 4/5/2008

RE: Under 12

Keelan Robinson of Jamberoo, NSW Australia asks...

Is there a difference in the whistle blow between half time and full time? I thought that half time is 2 blows and full time is 3 blows.
Thank you

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

It is ususal for two at the half and three at the end but it is not a mandated proceedure just universally accepted! They can be short hard bursts or drawn out or a combination. I have no idea why though perhaps my colleagues have insight?
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

There is no set signal for the end of the half or the game. You could yell "Olly olly oxen free" or "Ibbidy ibbidy that's all folks" if you thought the players would get your message.

The reason that refs might want to use a unique whistle sound for ending the halves is so the players don't think you're calling another foul. That happened to me once - as I blew the whistle I heard "What now!" from a frustrated sideline, followed by "Oh" as he realized the half was over. I don't recall if I used a special signal then, but it's probable since I usually do.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

The referee signals for half time and full time. She does so at her discretion. The method she uses reflects what she has heard other referees do and her personality. The signal is required, the type of signal is not.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

It's irrelevant.

The standard half-time whistle I use is a "tweet, twweeeeeeeeeeeet."

Standard ending whistle that I use is a "tweet, tweet, twwweeeeeeeeeeeeeet."

But thats just me.

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 18716