Question Number: 22441

Mechanics 11/5/2009

RE: competitive Under 19

Kley Parkhurst of Mc Lean, VA USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 22376

Why don't we allow ARs to have whistles, like almost all other sports? I guess in professional soccer they use beeping flags and/or intercom to communicate.

While I've had an AR or two over time who think they are CR, and raise their flag on every trifling foul (or non-foul), and it would damage the game to give that type a whistle (esp. if he/she didn't follow the ref's instructions), it would seem that for certain calls (out of bounds, VC, SFP), giving the AR an aural method of notifying the ref would be condusive to fair play.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Referee Parkhurst
There is only one referee who has the power to stop play. If there is good teamwork, referee positioning and communication skills between the 3 officials, flags and signals are an adequate means of communication.
The assistants are simply there to assist not to referee. As regards VC and SFP the assistant must communicate that in what ever way possible such as flagging, mirror flagging, calling the ref, all of which are adequate to do the task.
You have also given a number of good reasons for only one whistle.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Three whistles would seem like a three ring circus! A referee who maintains eye contact with the ARs will see what needs to be seen, and in the event that doesn't happen, the AR must use every method to get his/her attention. Shout their name, vigorously wave the flag, beep it to death and in some cases, even come onto the field.

It's been tried in US high school games, and everyone I've ever talked to who has been part of such a game or watched did in fact describe it as a three ring circus! A pox on three whistles!

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Community colleges in San Diego tried a three whistle system, but have returned to the diagonal system of control.

The coaches didn't like it. I believe their concern was greater inconsistency in what was called a foul and, thus, harder for their players to adjust. Some referees liked it, but primarily because players dissented less if they felt the assistant referee could show a card or blow the whistle.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

High school soccer in Michigan used the 3-whistle system for a while. It was dropped when the coaches requested to go back to 1-whistle. All the referees rejoiced.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

They tinker with the laws at times be it three whistles or two referees but a team of a referee and two ARs who follow the proceedures, understand the mechanics, focus and know the laws are stil the best choice!
Cheers