It's about time...

[CT1]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Otherwise runs and most plays outside of the kicking game I almost never use a whistle. I do not need to, I am around where my voice is used to stop players from continuing.

The point of the memo (if you read it completely) was to let players away from the ball know when to stop. Voice-only might work when it's a long run or one-on-one pass (typical BJ coverage plays), but on plays in congested areas we really need the whistle.

I worked two HS games just this past season where the noise level was so high I could barely hear whistles on the field from a few yards away. I shudder to think what might have happened if I had some "no-blows" on my crew.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by CT1

The point of the memo (if you read it completely) was to let players away from the ball know when to stop. Voice-only might work when it's a long run or one-on-one pass (typical BJ coverage plays), but on plays in congested areas we really need the whistle.

I worked two HS games just this past season where the noise level was so high I could barely hear whistles on the field from a few yards away. I shudder to think what might have happened if I had some "no-blows" on my crew.

Actually you do not need a whistle the most during a short run or play that ends closer to the LOS. Those are the plays everyone kind of realizes the play is over. And your contention that the crowd is loud also do not make since when the crowd is apart of the noise that tells players the play is over. The long runs to plays on the outside are when there could be a lot of issues of players not stopping. But a 2 yard dive is usually rather obvious when the play is over and I have seen end with no one blowing a whistle and the players stopping.

Again I am not advocating not blowing the whistle. I just see why officials do not see them sometimes and I think it is a bad practice to echo a whistle on a play you do not see end yourself. When you do see it, then blow the darn whistle. It is really that simple to me. I have never known anyone to advocate not to ever blow a whistle on purpose unless you are clearly not in the play.

Peace

[SWFLguy]

An "old" umpire here, I used my voice more than my whistle. In some of my more competitive games I'd be hoarse by the time it was over. I guess I was pretty effective. My old R still calls me the enforcer.
Kind of wish I was back on the field, but I get over it quickly.

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

When you do see it, then blow the darn whistle.

And I think that is all the CFO memo is saying.

As far as baseball vs football, I don't have bands playing during my baseball games.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Welpe

And I think that is all the CFO memo is saying.

As far as baseball vs football, I don't have bands playing during my baseball games.

It seems to me that some want a whistle every time. That is my concern.

Peace

[ajmc]

Originally Posted by CT1

The point of the memo (if you read it completely) was to let players away from the ball know when to stop. Voice-only might work when it's a long run or one-on-one pass (typical BJ coverage plays), but on plays in congested areas we really need the whistle.

I worked two HS games just this past season where the noise level was so high I could barely hear whistles on the field from a few yards away. I shudder to think what might have happened if I had some "no-blows" on my crew.

Seems like ANOTHER example that, "One size NEVER, EVER fits all". Properly sounding your whistle is proper and appropriate, most times, but relying exclusively on your voice works just as well other times.

We all know you should never kill a play, you didn't SEE die, although the second or 3rd whistle doesn't kill anything, that's the exclusive responsibility of the 1st whistle, that was hopefully blown for the proper reason.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by ajmc

Seems like ANOTHER example that, "One size NEVER, EVER fits all". Properly sounding your whistle is proper and appropriate, most times, but relying exclusively on your voice works just as well other times.

We all know you should never kill a play, you didn't SEE die, although the second or 3rd whistle doesn't kill anything, that's the exclusive responsibility of the 1st whistle, that was hopefully blown for the proper reason.

And I do not feel this will change much of anything anyway. It will be noted but many people will do what they were taught because an IW is a lot worse then a situation when a whistle is not blown and players are continuing on some level. But usually most players stop on their own when it is clear the play is over. Even a late whistle often does not stop players, they already stopped. It is really much to do about nothing if you ask me. I will wait to see if this is even addressed at our meetings this pre-season.

Peace

[CT1]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

It is really much to do about nothing if you ask me.

Evidently there have been enough complaints that the CFO felt a need to address it.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by CT1

Evidently there have been enough complaints that the CFO felt a need to address it.

I guess, but I have never heard any trainer or supervisor complain about not using a whistle as this memo suggests.

Peace

[CT1]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

I guess, but I have never heard any trainer or supervisor complain about not using a whistle as this memo suggests.

Reading between the lines of the memo, I'm thinking the impetus for this came from coaches.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by CT1

Reading between the lines of the memo, I'm thinking the impetus for this came from coaches.

I agree and a reason this will be business as usual. I doubt other than this memo much is going to be changed or addressed at least in my world. I could be wrong, but that is a guess on my part.

Peace

[InsideTheStripe]

Originally Posted by CT1

Reading between the lines of the memo, I'm thinking the impetus for this came from coaches.

The fact that McAulay authored this memo is not at all surprising to me.

I think I was there at the genesis of this memo and, if so, it had little to do with coaches.