Whistle history?

[Hugh Refner]

This is not a joke post, but a sincere one. Basketball was invented by Dr. Naismith in 1891. Does anyone know where there might be information stating that referees did or did not use whistles right from the start? Whistles were not a popular item in American society then. Also, I wonder when lanyards were first used.

[Bad Zebra]

From previous comments and threads...it's my understanding that MTD and Padgett worked those first games for Dr. Naismith...you might send them a PM with your questions.

[Mark Padgett]

I have no idea if whistles were used from the start, but I actually once called a game without using a whistle! It was many, many years ago when I had first joined our local kids' rec league Board of Directors. We would make sure there was a Board member at every game. I was assigned a 3rd grade boys game to watch and eval the refs. However, there was a scheduling problem and neither one of them showed up.

I really had no other viable option other than calling the game myself. I had on a blue T-shirt with jeans and, fortunately, tennis shoes. I spoke with both coaches and we agreed that I would raise my hand and yell "STOP" in lieu of the whistle. I pretty much stayed around mid-court which turned out to be fine since it was a small elementary school gym court.

Actually, it worked out somewhat OK. I figured the boys were used to an adult yelling "STOP" at them.

From that point on, I always took a whistle with me to those assigned Board games - and I kept a spare jersey in my car. However, I never had to work a game like that again. But better safe than sorry.

[wjc3]

Joseph Hudson (1848–1930) was an inventor in Birmingham, England during the late 19th century and the founder of J Hudson & Co in 1870, later to become the world largest whistle manufacturer.

Hudson entered a competition held by the Metropolitan police force in London in 1883 to design a better way of attracting people's attention. He won a contract to supply the police with their new devices, a small but loud 'whistle'. Prior to this time the police force had to rely on hand rattles and whistles were only thought of as musical instruments or toys. His whistle is still used by the force and many others worldwide.

He later invented the first referee whistle for football matches, prior to this handkerchiefs and sticks were used at games. Hudson also invented the 'Acme Thunderer', the first ever pea whistle, which has been, and remains, the most used whistle in the world, from train guards to dog handlers, party goers to police officers.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by wjc3

Hudson also invented the 'Acme Thunderer', the first ever pea whistle, which has been, and remains, the most used whistle in the world, from train guards to dog handlers, party goers to police officers.

I've got several of these left over from the pre-Fox 40 days. I keep one in my pocket as a spare.

It's endorsed by Wile E. Coyote.