Inadvertant whistle

[splitveer]

Fellas,

First of all I am just a coach trying to learn the rules as the season goes along. I know I do not spend as much time as you on the rules.

Our situation last night was in a JV game. Punting situation where the punter drops the ball, then the ball was tipped/blocked on the punt. The ball goes around and the receiving team picks it up then fumbles it. While the ball is on the ground the whistle blows and they award the ball to the Receiving team. While I think this is correct because of the blocked punt and the receiving team gaining possession of the football prior to the inadvertant whistle, it got me thinking.

When, if anytime, does the offense/kicking team get to choose the play or the down over on an inadvertant whistle? I vaguely remember this scenerio could be true.

Thanks for all the help!