Question Number: 23780

Other 8/15/2010

RE: AYSO REC Under 13

Mike of Chino Hills, CA USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 23764

It seems like the majority of referees use the Fox 40 Classic whistles. It is loud enough to get everyone's attention. I would like a whistle that has a different pitch, but is just as effective. I've tried looking around, but have not been able to find anything.

Do you have any recommendations for a different pitch whistle than the Fox 40 Classic?

Thanks!

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Mike
ACME Cyclone, Tornado and Tornado 2000 are very popular in the UK and Ireland. They give a different tone to the Fox 40 with the same pealess chamber quality
I ahve used the Clyclone and the Tornado 2000 and i was pleased with the performance of both.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The 'devastator' and 'tornado' have different pitches from the Fox 40, and I use them as alternatives.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Hi Mike. Personally I hate the Fox 40, and for that matter, all non-pea whistles. I have always used the Acme Thunderer metal whistle with a pea. When I went to buy my first whistle I laughed out loud at the sight of a whistle manufactured by a company I assumed only existed for the detriment of Wiley E Coyote in the classic Road Runner cartoons. So, I had to buy one and have used one ever since. With a pea whistle I am able to vary the pitch and loudness so that I am able to use the whistle to convey any message I am trying to get across be it "Stop right now" or "Ball's out of play" or anything in between. Players immediately know my frame of mind by how I use the whistle. I carry a Fox 40 in case a referee on a nearby field is using a Thunderer. The times I have used it I ended up with a headache from the shrillness and could not begin to vary pitch as I can with the Thunderer. I have used the Thunderer in all weather conditions, have dropped it in mud, and never have had one fail.

To be fair, many referees love the pealess whistles like the Fox 40 but for me I will only use one when forced to