[Rich]

Originally Posted by ajmc

for whatever it's worth, the very LAST place you want to put a whistle, when clearing up a scuffle, or even reaching down into a pile of players for a ball (or anything else) is in your mouth. Players bouncing around unexpectedly colliding with whistles, whether they're on the end of a lanyard or your finger can cause a lot of damage to your teeth or mouth.

Sounding your whistle and interacting with players in a "scrum" should always be separate and distinct acts, that absolutely do not mix well.

This is the same advice given to basketball officials administering the jump ball -- do not put the whistle in your mouth cause someday you will take an elbow that will then break off some teeth.