Whistles - Who should blow?

[GBFBUmp]

This has probably been discussed any number of times here, but as a 2nd year guy I still wonder what to do at times. Our association in Green Bay, and the varsity crew I sub for most of the time prefer a single whistle by the covering official, and rarely, if ever the umpire. Even suggesting that some plays don't need a whistle. I do understand that last one.

I am typically umpire, so I rarely hit my whistle unless a penalty on the o-line prior to snap.

Last night I was on a 7th - 8th grade double header, three man crew. First time Officiating with these gentlemen, and we got our rhythm going pretty well. I worked as umpire. I did of course need to use the whistle more as I covered downfield on plays to the side opposite linesman. We did have quite a few times where there where >1 whistle, and of course not always simultaneously. No IW's. A couple of questions from the coaches as to why 2 whistles, etc.

After the game, the linesman suggested he liked more than 1 whistle just to keep the kids and coaches well aware that the ball had become dead, even suggested that in the 5-man crews it would be nice.

Any suggestions on what is best mechanic, keep the whistles to a minimum, etc. I would like to know how others handle this, is it an issue if >1 are sounded, etc?

Thanks.

[SouthGARef]

It's my belief that in a 5 man crew, that during most times only one official should actually be watching the ball carrier anyway--thus only one whistle.

You should only blow your whistle when you a) see the ball b) see the player in possession of the ball down by rule. Because of this, in my association we see the umpire blowing dive plays dead quite a bit. There's so much action in the middle that wings can't see the ball, and IMO there needs to be a whistle from somebody--eventually.

There are times when you're going to have more than one whistle. A play up the middle will sometimes warrant more than one. Passes down the middle, etc.

Either way, you're splitting hairs. As long as you don't blow your whistle early, you're not hurting too much. If all the coaches complain about is hearing more than one whistle, you're doing a great job.

[North Pole Alaska Ref]

We stress this in the pre-game, covering official(s) only. If you are finding yourself blowing the whistle on a lot of plays, are you watching the ball (then it is probably too much). If there players in your area that like to continue, let them know you are there voice or whistle works.

[FredFan7]

Only the covering official should sound his or her whistle after seeing the ball carrier downed. Now, that doesn't mean we won't be hearing other whistles after the action stops. Many times if an official has called a penalty, he'll blast the whistle to get the chain gang's and the R's attention. Also, if there's a chicken fight going on, a couple of blasts may help stop the action.

But, ONLY the covering official should sound the whistle to signal the ballcarrier downed. No official should "echo" that whistle.

[jumpmaster]

With my crew of rookies, I teach only the covering official whistles. It helps us to see the ball down and keeps our trainer from going into a tailspin from hearing 5 different whistles on the field, this is his pet peeve.

[Snake~eyes]

Like said only the covering official, I can't stand it when I'm wing down field on a long play as I blow it dead R echos mine. It bothers mee soo much.

[Ed Hickland]

Only the covering official(s) should blow the whistle. Generally, that means on any plays no more than two whistles as it quite possible for two officials to see the ball become dead.

I literally hate confirming whistles. In many lower level games it is possible to have the round football game know to some as soccer on another field. Should you confirm his whistle, too?

It is important to remember a whistle does not kill the play, the play kills itself and the whistle is an indication the play is dead (forget IWs).

Nowhere is this more emphatic than a field goal. Is the play dead when the ball crosses the goal line, the endline or someplace in between. So, when do you blow the whistle?

My preference on a field goal or a kick for the PAT, don't blow the whistle.

Remember, last season, in the NFL playoffs, Bernie Kukar did not blow the whistle on a play and NFL Supervisor Mike Pereria was asked abut the whistle not being blown. His response was classic, the whistle does not kill the play, you don't even have to blow the whistle.

[Edited by Ed Hickland on Sep 29th, 2004 at 02:39 PM]

[cowbyfan1]

I agree only covering officials and most of the time it should be the wings at that. U and R should rarely have to blow their whistles. Only time I do from R is if I know that ball is down and the wings have not blown theirs. It tells me they did not see the ball and someone needs to blow one before the something gets out of hand. Off officials should never blow theirs unless they are trying to get players away from the play to stop. Then I usually will talk to them but if they don't hear me I will toot the whistle as most players are conditioned to go till they hear a whistle.

[Bob M.]

Originally posted by Snake~eyes
Like said only the covering official, I can't stand it when I'm wing down field on a long play as I blow it dead R echos mine. It bothers mee soo much.

REPLY: S-E...have you considered therapy? In all seriousness, I agree. Only the covering official should blow.

[Rich]

Originally posted by Snake~eyes
Like said only the covering official, I can't stand it when I'm wing down field on a long play as I blow it dead R echos mine. It bothers mee soo much.

There are times when I will add my whistle as the WH on a play downfield -- if there's activity I need to stop wayyyy upfield.

Actually, we had a late hit on a touchback kickoff that may have been prevented if my other officials had echoed my whistle last Friday night -- although they said they clearly heard my whistle so that's probably not an excuse on the kid's part.

It's no big deal to me, although if an IW happens, I'm sure I'll change my mind.

--Rich

[ABoselli]

I'm with you on that Rich - touchbacks need as many whistles as possible to get the action stopped as soon as possible. The kids on the kickoff teams are always kinda wound up and for many of them, it's the only time they see action, so they're gonna get their money's worth.

Also, if I'm a BJ, I'm going to have a whistle on the wing's touchdown signal. If I'm a wing, I'm gonna have a whistle on the BJ's touchdown signal on a long run or pass.

[Ed Hickland]

I'll half way agree with those who feel an echoing whistle on a touchback is a good thing.

But, action away from the play is never good and can't always be whistled away.

What I like to see from officials is use of the voice with phrases such as "OK, it over", "Not it off, play is dead" or something to let them know you are there.

Long touchdown runs when a player decides now is the time for the cheap shot on the lumbering lineman 50 yards from the goal, especially, some idiot offensive player who is about to take away that hard earned touchdown. You cannot use your whistle but a shout, "Don't hit him" saves six points for the scoring team and a lot of explaining for the ref.

[chiefgil]

Call in your zone.

A majority of the time there should be only one whistle, but in certain instances you may need to have more than one.

[mcrowder]

Worked U two games last night on a 4-man crew. Blew my whistle exactly once, and that was after the play to alert R that I had a flag back at the LOS, and he'd trailed the play past me.

Threw 3 flags all night. All declined. I was pretty much a waste of $70 for the home team.

[GBFBUmp]

Originally posted by mcrowder
Worked U two games last night on a 4-man crew. Blew my whistle exactly once, and that was after the play to alert R that I had a flag back at the LOS, and he'd trailed the play past me.

Threw 3 flags all night. All declined. I was pretty much a waste of $70 for the home team.

Good, from what I am reading, I have been handling my whistle like most..... when at ump very little, and other positions only when I am covering.

I was just very surprised to hear the veteran Linesman tell me (probably 5 or 6 times throughout the 2 games) how much he liked have multiple whistles.

I will continue on the path of whistle only when necessary, and rarely mirror a whistle unless there is an obvious reason. Thanks for all the feedback.