Finger Whistles

[RS]

I know about the Fox Caul finger whistle.

Anyone know of any other options?

[HLinNC]

All of the major brands, Acme, Fox40, come in a finger version.

I was taught coming up that you don't want your whistle standing out from everyone else on the crew.  That is why I finally had to go away from my trusty old Acme Thunderer, everyone else gravitated to the 40.

[TampaSteve]

I do not use finger whistle.

[TxSkyBolt]

All of the major brands, Acme, Fox40, come in a finger version.

I was taught coming up that you don't want your whistle standing out from everyone else on the crew.  That is why I finally had to go away from my trusty old Acme Thunderer, everyone else gravitated to the 40.

Yeah, that's important

[TampaSteve]

Actually, I'm purposely using a different whistle than a fox40.  so when I blow it, folks know it's ME.

[VALJ]

While I wear both on the field (in case I break or lose one), I prefer a finger whistle, for two reasons.  (1) I tend to have trouble finding the whistle on that damn lanyard after running to cover a play, and (2) it gives me an extra split second to think before I blow the whistle, to try and avert the dreaded IW.

I have found, though, I tend to end up using the whistle around my neck more when I work R or B/S/F, since I'm blowing it a lot less.  When I work H and L, and I'm the one killing the play, I tend to be on the finger whistle more. 

[Tom.OH]

While I wear both on the field (in case I break or lose one), I prefer a finger whistle, for two reasons.  (1) I tend to have trouble finding the whistle on that DARN lanyard after running to cover a play, and (2) it gives me an extra split second to think before I blow the whistle, to try and avert the dreaded IW.

I have found, though, I tend to end up using the whistle around my neck more when I work R or B/S/F, since I'm blowing it a lot less.  When I work H and L, and I'm the one killing t..he play, I tend to be on the finger whistle more.

I also have both on the field for the same reasons. The most important thing when using a finger whistle is to NOT do a one armed signal (TD, stop clock etc).

[James]

I didn't find the finger whistle comfortable (especially as U catching the ball all the time) - so I wrapped my lanyard around my wrist and I can flip the whistle into the palm of my hand when I want it.
I believe soccer refs have a wristband with a dangle to attach the whistle to.
I NEVER find it when it's around my neck. My backup is in my back pocket with my backup pencil.

[stevegarbs]

While I wear both on the field (in case I break or lose one), I prefer a finger whistle, for two reasons.  (1) I tend to have trouble finding the whistle on that DARN lanyard after running to cover a play,

I learned a trick early in my career to help with this- when you reach for your lanyard, start at your collar or neck area, then slide down the lanyard to grasp the whistle (which may be swinging wildly).  Works for me every time.

I have yet to see an official use a finger whistle without compromising the quality (form or timing) of his two-handed signals, so I have stayed away from them.  I understand others have different opinions.

[Rulesman]

I have yet to see an official use a finger whistle without compromising the quality (form or timing) of his two-handed signals...

It's only a problem when you try to do everything at once. Slow down.... blow.... THEN signal. A former supervisor told me that's the only way he'd let me wear one. I never had a problem with it since, in his mind, we only had one shot to get it right. The first time he saw a one-armed signal all bets were off.

[HLinNC]

I used a finger whistle for most of the past 20 years.  I still use it as my back-up.  Over the last 2-3 years I decided to transition to a lanyard, which was my back-up. 
I started out using it for my primary in youth and JV and slowly migrated to varsity.

I can't remember the booklet, I think it came from NASO, but somebody sent to me early on and it recommended new officials start out with a finger whistle.

[bossman72]

I have yet to see an official use a finger whistle without compromising the quality (form or timing) of his two-handed signals, so I have stayed away from them.  I understand others have different opinions.

Well, you haven't met me yet 

I use a finger whistle, but i wear it very loose around my fingers.  When I need to do a quick 2-handed signal (like to wipe out a trapped ball) I keep the whistle in my mouth and slide my fingers out of it.  This lets me use my hands better.

I'm weird, but I think I handle the ball BETTER with a finger whistle.  I think it's because when I use a lanyard whistle I always try to constantly hold it, so I feel like I'm only using one arm.

When I work R, however, I use a lanyard since it's important to use the press-box side arm when signaling, winding the clock, etc.

[AlUpstateNY]

It's only a problem when you try to do everything at once. Slow down.... blow.... THEN signal.

The sound of the whistle is designed to immediately stop play.  Signaling is intended to explain why you decided to stop the play and doesn't need to be synchronized with the whistle.  As suggested above, relax, slow down - stop play when necessary, THEN explain why you did.

[VALJ]

I use a finger whistle, but i wear it very loose around my fingers.  When I need to do a quick 2-handed signal (like to wipe out a trapped ball) I keep the whistle in my mouth and slide my fingers out of it.  This lets me use my hands better.

<snip>

When I work R, however, I use a lanyard since it's important to use the press-box side arm when signaling, winding the clock, etc.

Ah, so I'm not the only one who has figured these out.  Good to know!   

[Aussie-Zebra]

I use the Caul - its quite loud ( especially to someone standing next to me) and a Fox 40 Dolphin on a lanyard as backup.

Found this interesting clip

How to properly blow a Fox 40 Pealess Whistle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-WnVriVP7s

[WVABJ1807]

Ive been working back judge on my crew for the past 8 seasons. i used to use a finger whistle, but didnt like it it constricting my fingers. but i also dont like the lanyard. i dont like juggling my lanyard and whistle. so 2 years ago, i started doing what the basketball officials refer to as spitting.  i dont use a lanyard, but dont use a finger whistle either.  i use a fox 40 by it self. i keep it in my hand and if i need to use my hands or arms, it simply goes in my mouth.  i feel it keeps me from having an IW but also satisfies my need not to have to juggle the lanyard.  it has worked out really well and i have never dropped it.

BTW i also do this in basketball.

[DAK]

I may be just an old crank here, but after working FB for 40 years, it is my opinion a finger whistle should not be used by FB officials since it obviously makes you one handed.  I think the Fox type of pealess whistle is great in a gymnasium, but are lame on a FB field.  Maybe people just don't blow them right, I don't know.  I have used the same Acme Thunderer my entire career and have never had a complaint about not being heard.

[Etref]

Have used an Acme Thunderer (finger and regular) for years. My finger whistle got to where the pea would stick and finally bought a new one.

I did not use the finger whistle when working the wings but used it exclusively working the R position.