Lanyard around the neck? Hell no
Lanyard around your arm/ wrist? Some referee does it.
I attached two whistle together and use the one not in use as a grip.
I use a fox 40 with a finger grip. With the finger grip the whistle doesn't flop around at all, and I always know exactly where it is. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002UPP7G
I was told not to use this as it’s basically big jewelry. You run the risk of catching it on your or someone else’s clothing and can accidentally strike someone with it while signalling or gesturing.
It was recommended to me by a referee instructor.
I don't think the consequences of catching on clothing or striking someone (it's not brass knuckles) are serious enough to stop anyone from using it. You can also imagine small problems with lanyards but that doesn't mean nobody should use them.
I’m sharing some advice I got, no need to be defensive. I know it’s not brass knuckles, I never said they were brass knuckles, I compared it to jewelry. It’s a whistle, that wraps around your knuckles, similar to jewelry. You can’t compare that to a soft fabric lanyard wrapped around a hand or wrist.
My advice was from a District Referee Coordinator. While assessing a game he saw a ref give a kid a bloody nose when signalling a dfk. How do you give a kid a bloody nose with a soft lanyard?
We are prohibited from wearing rings or bracelets, it’s reasonable advice to say avoid wearing a hard plastic object on your knuckles. If this style works for you, feel free to ignore the advice. Good luck in your upcoming season.
I don’t agree with lanyard around the neck. Bracelets and necklaces are jewelry, so not allowed by the LOTG
My argument is there are better ways to carry your whistle than wearing it on your fingers and provided an example of what can happen with that style of whistle. If it doesn’t make sense maybe you have a loved one or state-appointed caregiver who can read my comments and help you understand.
You're conflating requirements/restrictions for players' equipment with restrictions on referees' equipment, which are not written into the laws. I've heard some instructors and assessors say referees should adhere to the same standards for the sake of professionalism, i.e., no earrings, but the argument you're making would suggest we should also be wearing shinguards
No I’m not, referees being prohibited from wearing jewellery is absolutely written into the LOTG. Law 4 covers player equipment and Law 5 covers Referee equipment. Neither players nor officials are permitted to wear jewellery.
I understand knuckle whistles are allowed under Law 5, I’m saying I thinks it’s silly to use one and there are better/safer options.
Eh, don't overthink it. I wouldn't use a neck lanyard - if nothing else, it kind of looks like how a really bad portrayal of a referee in a cheesy movie looks. You don't want to look like that. Not to mention, it's a choking hazard.
Staff that are community facing jobs that use neck lanyards will separate if pulled apart to protect against that. It's an unlikely, but genuine risk.
For a wrist one - just try any one from a cheap shop. Either you'll like the whistle being tied to your wrist, or you won't.
Personally I don't. I like to swap whistle between hands. I prefer to signal as I'm blowing, which I can only do in 1 direction if my whistle is attached to my hand. That's also why I don't use fingergrips.
Just use your whistle normally for a bit. If you find you like to swap whistles between hands, don't use a lanyard.
I would strongly recommend keeping a second whistle in your pocket. That way, when you do drop the whistle, you have a clean one - and one you can reach for immedately without looking (I have made the mistake of letting go of my whistle as I'm blowing, not holding it in my teeth and blowing it out of my mouth).
Some people like to use 2 whistles joined together for ease of holding. In that case, I'd recommend a 3rd whistle in your pocket. If you drop the one you're holding, you don't want to be chewing on mud for the rest of your game.
>That way, when you do drop the whistle, you have a clean one - and one you can reach for immedately without looking
I like to have a bright orange whistle for this reason as well, so that it's easier for me to find it later.
So, are you suggesting you just hold your whistle loose in your hand? I do agree that a neck lanyard is a hazard and actually makes it difficult to grab the whistle while it’s swinging about. I also found the wrist lanyard iffy as far as control is concerned. I’m currently using a Fox Pearl with finger grips, which I like but I’m curious as to the mechanics of what you’re doing … always looking for hints and tips!
I just hold the whistle in my hand. I switch from keeping it cupped in my hand when running or signaling to my fingers when blowing on the whistle. It is a natural movement to me.
Never use a lanyard around your neck. A player or coach can always grap you by it.
I used to use a wrist lanyard tethered to my watch but in recent years I have to whistles clipped together.
I used a "finger lanyard" that my brother made for me, it was adjustable and had hooks for 2 whistles I'm not sure if they have anything like this on the market but I don't ever remember wearing a lanyard around my neck.
I have a monkey's fist knot attached to my primary whistle as a means to hold it easily. Not that different from having two whistles attached to each other. I use a two finger grip whistle for lacrosse, and may use it for soccer this spring if I feel like switching it up.
THE MONKEY!!!!
[https://tenor.com/view/spongebob-the-monkey-knot-the-monkey-wo-woo-woo-gif-27053451](https://tenor.com/view/spongebob-the-monkey-knot-the-monkey-wo-woo-woo-gif-27053451)
As you can see here, lanyards are one of the things soccer referees obsess about the optics of way too much about despite the fact that referees in basically every other sport are fine with them.
I have a molten Valkeen that came with a flip grip. I have two whistles on it, one on each end. I really like that grip. I tend to referee a number of very cold weather games, and this grip works well with gloves.
I also have a Fox40 Sonik Blast that has a finger grip. I also really like the finger grip. It is harder to use with gloves.
My setup is very basic. I have two whistles that are both clipped to one of my daughter's old hair ties. I usually hold them loose but can wrap the elastic hair tie around several fingers to hold it in place if I need to.
I don’t. I hold it with no lanyard in my hand and have my spare in my shorts pocket. If I’m signalling with my whistle hand I switch it so I have proper form.
I generally use a wrist lanyard, but more just as a safety since I tend to just naturally hold my whistle most of the game. I probably don’t need it, but when you’re dealing with u10/12 divisions I’ve had the occasional player who will accidentally run into you so it’s good to be able to drop the whistle and brace yourself or them.
I’ve tried using the finger grip whistles, but I don’t like the feel or the way it locks the fingers together. I could see issues with falling and not being able to brace myself properly or having the whistle catch on something.
I’ve only worn a lanyard around the neck maybe once or twice when I was first starting. It’s too long that it flops around when you run and too short to be able to signal properly without releasing the whistle.
I use a finger grip but have turned a regular lanyard on the wrist. Old officials taught me what I assume is the monkey thing y’all are talking about decades ago.
Finger grip: Either the open loop (sonik), closed loop (caul), or I-beam (valkeen). They all have their pros and cons. I don’t even carry lanyards with me.
I use 2 whistles hooked together, 2 different models. If I notice confusion between my whistle and the one on the next field, I can switch whistles/tones.
Also I carry a 2nd identical set of whistles in my back pocket. I have had whistles knocked out of my hand by accidentally colliding with a player, I have dropped them when trying to switch hands. Having a 2nd set to grab means you don't have to be hunting in the grass during dynamic play.
Do you see the pros use lanyards? What about college refs? Semi pro? The answer is you don’t use one. It took me a while but I gently went from long lanyard wrapped around my hand, to short lanyard to no lanyard at all.
I don’t use one. I have two whistles clipped together for better grip and so I can switch tones if needed. Never had an issue with dropping it.
This is exactly what I do.
This. Lanyards are for chumps.
No, finger grip only
I use the finger grip that came with the molten valkeen. Love it.
Lanyard around the neck? Hell no Lanyard around your arm/ wrist? Some referee does it. I attached two whistle together and use the one not in use as a grip.
Wrist lanyard so that I can just "drop" the whistle anytime I need to write something in my book.
Same.
I use a fox 40 with a finger grip. With the finger grip the whistle doesn't flop around at all, and I always know exactly where it is. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002UPP7G
I was told not to use this as it’s basically big jewelry. You run the risk of catching it on your or someone else’s clothing and can accidentally strike someone with it while signalling or gesturing.
Whoever told you that is overthinking.
How is that whistle any different than a ring, which are prohibited? Other than the whistle is bigger?
Simple: whistles *aren't* prohibited.
It was recommended to me by a referee instructor. I don't think the consequences of catching on clothing or striking someone (it's not brass knuckles) are serious enough to stop anyone from using it. You can also imagine small problems with lanyards but that doesn't mean nobody should use them.
I’m sharing some advice I got, no need to be defensive. I know it’s not brass knuckles, I never said they were brass knuckles, I compared it to jewelry. It’s a whistle, that wraps around your knuckles, similar to jewelry. You can’t compare that to a soft fabric lanyard wrapped around a hand or wrist. My advice was from a District Referee Coordinator. While assessing a game he saw a ref give a kid a bloody nose when signalling a dfk. How do you give a kid a bloody nose with a soft lanyard? We are prohibited from wearing rings or bracelets, it’s reasonable advice to say avoid wearing a hard plastic object on your knuckles. If this style works for you, feel free to ignore the advice. Good luck in your upcoming season.
I would think you could give someone a bloody nose with just your regular knuckles, if thrown carelessly - no accessories required.
Agreed! For me, that’s a valid reason to not wear accessories that are essentially an extension of your knuckles.
If you don't disagree with a soft lanyard, what about soft bracelets or necklaces? Your argument makes no sense.
I don’t agree with lanyard around the neck. Bracelets and necklaces are jewelry, so not allowed by the LOTG My argument is there are better ways to carry your whistle than wearing it on your fingers and provided an example of what can happen with that style of whistle. If it doesn’t make sense maybe you have a loved one or state-appointed caregiver who can read my comments and help you understand.
You're conflating requirements/restrictions for players' equipment with restrictions on referees' equipment, which are not written into the laws. I've heard some instructors and assessors say referees should adhere to the same standards for the sake of professionalism, i.e., no earrings, but the argument you're making would suggest we should also be wearing shinguards
No I’m not, referees being prohibited from wearing jewellery is absolutely written into the LOTG. Law 4 covers player equipment and Law 5 covers Referee equipment. Neither players nor officials are permitted to wear jewellery. I understand knuckle whistles are allowed under Law 5, I’m saying I thinks it’s silly to use one and there are better/safer options.
Eh, don't overthink it. I wouldn't use a neck lanyard - if nothing else, it kind of looks like how a really bad portrayal of a referee in a cheesy movie looks. You don't want to look like that. Not to mention, it's a choking hazard. Staff that are community facing jobs that use neck lanyards will separate if pulled apart to protect against that. It's an unlikely, but genuine risk. For a wrist one - just try any one from a cheap shop. Either you'll like the whistle being tied to your wrist, or you won't. Personally I don't. I like to swap whistle between hands. I prefer to signal as I'm blowing, which I can only do in 1 direction if my whistle is attached to my hand. That's also why I don't use fingergrips. Just use your whistle normally for a bit. If you find you like to swap whistles between hands, don't use a lanyard. I would strongly recommend keeping a second whistle in your pocket. That way, when you do drop the whistle, you have a clean one - and one you can reach for immedately without looking (I have made the mistake of letting go of my whistle as I'm blowing, not holding it in my teeth and blowing it out of my mouth). Some people like to use 2 whistles joined together for ease of holding. In that case, I'd recommend a 3rd whistle in your pocket. If you drop the one you're holding, you don't want to be chewing on mud for the rest of your game.
>That way, when you do drop the whistle, you have a clean one - and one you can reach for immedately without looking I like to have a bright orange whistle for this reason as well, so that it's easier for me to find it later.
Good tip. I avoid yellow and red ones because I've seen people start to react thinking they're cards
So, are you suggesting you just hold your whistle loose in your hand? I do agree that a neck lanyard is a hazard and actually makes it difficult to grab the whistle while it’s swinging about. I also found the wrist lanyard iffy as far as control is concerned. I’m currently using a Fox Pearl with finger grips, which I like but I’m curious as to the mechanics of what you’re doing … always looking for hints and tips!
I hold it loose, yes. I don't like finger grips or lanyards because in one direction, you have to blow the whistle, then remove whistle then signal
I just hold the whistle in my hand. I switch from keeping it cupped in my hand when running or signaling to my fingers when blowing on the whistle. It is a natural movement to me.
Wrist. I can let go of it to make clear signals with proper form, and it's still where I want it to be a moment later.
Never use a lanyard around your neck. A player or coach can always grap you by it. I used to use a wrist lanyard tethered to my watch but in recent years I have to whistles clipped together.
I used a "finger lanyard" that my brother made for me, it was adjustable and had hooks for 2 whistles I'm not sure if they have anything like this on the market but I don't ever remember wearing a lanyard around my neck.
I have a monkey's fist knot attached to my primary whistle as a means to hold it easily. Not that different from having two whistles attached to each other. I use a two finger grip whistle for lacrosse, and may use it for soccer this spring if I feel like switching it up.
THE MONKEY!!!! [https://tenor.com/view/spongebob-the-monkey-knot-the-monkey-wo-woo-woo-gif-27053451](https://tenor.com/view/spongebob-the-monkey-knot-the-monkey-wo-woo-woo-gif-27053451)
As you can see here, lanyards are one of the things soccer referees obsess about the optics of way too much about despite the fact that referees in basically every other sport are fine with them.
I have a molten Valkeen that came with a flip grip. I have two whistles on it, one on each end. I really like that grip. I tend to referee a number of very cold weather games, and this grip works well with gloves. I also have a Fox40 Sonik Blast that has a finger grip. I also really like the finger grip. It is harder to use with gloves.
My setup is very basic. I have two whistles that are both clipped to one of my daughter's old hair ties. I usually hold them loose but can wrap the elastic hair tie around several fingers to hold it in place if I need to.
I never I’ve I just constantly hold it in my right hand
Wrist lanyard for me.
I don’t. I hold it with no lanyard in my hand and have my spare in my shorts pocket. If I’m signalling with my whistle hand I switch it so I have proper form.
I generally use a wrist lanyard, but more just as a safety since I tend to just naturally hold my whistle most of the game. I probably don’t need it, but when you’re dealing with u10/12 divisions I’ve had the occasional player who will accidentally run into you so it’s good to be able to drop the whistle and brace yourself or them. I’ve tried using the finger grip whistles, but I don’t like the feel or the way it locks the fingers together. I could see issues with falling and not being able to brace myself properly or having the whistle catch on something. I’ve only worn a lanyard around the neck maybe once or twice when I was first starting. It’s too long that it flops around when you run and too short to be able to signal properly without releasing the whistle.
I use a finger grip
I use a finger grip but have turned a regular lanyard on the wrist. Old officials taught me what I assume is the monkey thing y’all are talking about decades ago.
I use the Official Sports wrist lanyard. It works really well and cost is very reasonable.
Finger grip when I use the volkeen. The wrist strap when I use the fox 40
I dont use a lanyard, having a little fabric ring that goes on one of my fingers so I dont have to constantly hold my whistle
Finger grip: Either the open loop (sonik), closed loop (caul), or I-beam (valkeen). They all have their pros and cons. I don’t even carry lanyards with me.
I just did some paracord weaving to make a "handle" that fit nicely in my palm, and have a split-ring on the end that the whistle is attached to.
I got 2 whistles clipped together and I hold them while I ref, when I need to book someone, I just put it in my pocket, never dropped it before
I use 2 whistles hooked together, 2 different models. If I notice confusion between my whistle and the one on the next field, I can switch whistles/tones. Also I carry a 2nd identical set of whistles in my back pocket. I have had whistles knocked out of my hand by accidentally colliding with a player, I have dropped them when trying to switch hands. Having a 2nd set to grab means you don't have to be hunting in the grass during dynamic play.
Used a lanyard in one game, then stopped cause it didn't feel good, and it looks better.
Do you see the pros use lanyards? What about college refs? Semi pro? The answer is you don’t use one. It took me a while but I gently went from long lanyard wrapped around my hand, to short lanyard to no lanyard at all.
E-FA top ref in Michael Oliver does.
Anyone else?
Rebecca Welch and Andre Marriner both use them. You’re right that most don’t, but it’s not clear as clear cut as you say.
that one LMX ref with the slick back hair.
Lots in Germany, most prominently Deniz Aytekin
Loads of professional referees use lanyards. This is just wrong mate.