Crossing Whistles

[Josh1993]

Hello, I'm new here and signed up specifically to ask you more experienced officials how to handle a situation. Trying to learn, so I'll probably ask many questions unless I wear out my welcome.

Here is the situation that prompted me to come to you:

Officiating basketball at a middle school and there are two courts separated by a curtain. Our kids are playing and a whistle sounds loud and clear from the other court. Our kids all stumble to a stop, look at me and my partner. I just hold up my whistle as if to say, "That wasn't us" and the kids stumble to a start again.

This happened a few times during the game. Each time, the kids just slowed down like slow motion, and then kicked right back up when they realized the whistle was coming from the next court.

So other than being a distraction, it didn't affect the outcome of the game. The parents and coaches didn't make an issue of it, so we just played on.

Is there a better way to handle it?

Thank you in advance!