Is it a meachanic to talk a player out of the lane?

Is it a mechanic to bark at two players battling in the post?

Is it a mechanic to blow your whistle at the end of the quarter?

Is it a mechanic to warn a player to put his shirt tail end?

Is it a mechanic to wave through the sideline plane to warn a defender not to break the plane?

There are plenty of prevetive measures that we take "that's not the mechanics."

Let's face it, many officials are restricted by supervisors/assignors who have the power to take games away if officials don't follow "mechanics." Those officials should do what they're told. I've lived in places like that before.

I am free to ask myself "does a whistle benefit the game?" I think it does. Where did I start doing this? At an NCAA-W camp I attended 3 years ago. I kept this once the HS season started. I think it grabs everyone's attention the way nothing else can.

I definitely agree - wearing creaky old nurse's shoes could draw that unwanted attention. ;)

I guess I wasn't saying don't do it, just don't get in the habit of blowing the whistle all the time. I have seen officials blow the whistle on EVERY throw-in. That definitely draws attention. I was only trying to make the point that just because it's a good idea in this case, too much can be a bad idea.

I whistle to begin the game, the quarter or after a time-out. Some lord of the refs probably told me to do that. I've seen local games officiated by men who I know have worked state championship finals. One timeout, one guy will hand the ball to the thrower after a whistle. The next time, another guy will hand the ball to the thrower after a timeout, no whistle. Go figure.

If the throw in doesn't warrant a whistle, and players are packed together, they will get a 'here we go,' or 'the ball is ready,' and off we go.

Pet peeve: Those who count the five seconds aloud, during a throw-in.

Practically speaking,
 

I'll blow the whistle on an inbounds play when a game is tight.