Officials' appearance.

[Rich]

I tried working with a finger whistle for a few games this season.

After working basketball since 1987 and football starting in 1994, I just can't do it. My normal reaction is to spit the whistle out after blowing it. With a finger whistle I will put the whistle in my mouth and slide my fingers out when I have to make a two handed signal (e.g., stop the clock). Then I spit the whistle on the ground more times than not.

So I wear a lanyard and drop the whistle from my mouth at the snap and carry it in my hand. Best of both worlds.

Rich