Question Number: 23661

Mechanics 7/12/2010

RE: all levels

Richard Gonzalez of Sacramento, California USA asks...

I have been told twice now that I do not vary my whistle enough. I use short quick whistles for small things, solid whistle for fouls and strong whistle for cardable offenses and PK. I just don's understand why I am being told to vary my whistle more.

where can I find some guidance in this area.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

If the source of the information is an assessor, you've likely discovered that what you think you do is not what you actually do. One of the great 'aha' moments in my assessments was when I forced to look at these issues. While I find that an assessor's recommendations for a fix may be sound or may be loony, they always are 100 percent accurate in observing what it is that I actually do.

So, my recommendation is to play with the new information. Purposefully make some whistles longer and louder (the opening whistle, the hard foul) than usual. Purposefully make some whistle shorter than usual. Watch how the players react. If you see any changes in the player's reaction, add the two exaggerated versions to your repertoire.

If the source of the information is not an assessor, ask for an assessment. Before the match, ask the assessor to be mindful of your whistle and ask for feedback about it. Then be polite about whatever information you receive (including the loony stuff).

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Referee Gonzalez
Here is a helpful resource from Mr Julian Carosi's website on the use of the whistle
http://corshamref.org.uk/whistle/whistle.htm
Also if this came from an assessor when viewing a match, he can pick up on little items like this. It means that the 'big ticket' items are well looked after and that the advice is then down to 'tweaking' the ref's performance to make it even better.
With some whistles short quick, solid and strong can all sound the same.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Our own perception of our whistle technique is always subjective, because we are so close to it! When this topic is mentioned (by someone whose opinion matters to you, for whatever reason), work harder on varying your tones, the length and strength - even try a different style whistle. And, ask your ARs and/or a trusted mentor to give you a second (third) opinion on a series of games, to test out the criticism. Sometimes it is warranted, sometimes it means an assessor or mentor is hard of hearing and/or has nothing else of value to give you (this is probably a good thing).

I found a metal Balilla gave me the necessary variations in tone I wanted, which the Fox 40 never did. I carry a Fox 40, just in case, but the Balilla has a pea, and this allows for a tremendous variety of sounds and volume. It's always fun to blow the pea out of the whistle and watch the players come to a screeching halt when they hear the loud and strong! Good luck!