What Whistles Do NFL Referees Use?

You might be surprised to learn that NFL referees use different types of whistles to signal different infractions. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of whistles used by NFL referees and what each one means.

NFL whistles

In the National Football League, there are three types of whistles that referees use: the open-mouth whistle, the closed-mouth whistle, and the audible whistle. Each has a different purpose. The open-mouth whistle is used when the referee needs to get the attention of the players and coaches on the sideline. The closed-mouth whistle is used when the referee needs to stop the play. The audible whistle is used when the referee needs to penalize a player.

What types of whistles do NFL referees use?

While it might seem like all whistles are the same, there are actually quite a few different types of whistles that are used for different purposes. NFL referees use two different types of whistles during a game – an air horn and a pealess whistle.

The air horn is only used in emergency situations, such as when there is an injury on the field or when there is a fire in the stadium. The pealess whistle is used for all other situations, such as when the play is over or when a penalty is called.

Pealess whistles are preferred by referees because they are easier to blow and produce a louder sound. They also don’t require any breath to produce the sound, which means that referees can keep blowing the whistle even if they are running out of breath.

How do NFL referees use whistles?

In the NFL, there are three primary types of whistles referees use:

Standard whistle: This is the most common type of whistle and is used to signal the start and stop of play, as well as penalties.

Possession change whistle: A possession change whistle signals that the team on offense now has possession of the ball. This can happen after a touchdown or field goal, or when the ball changes hands after a punt or turnover.

Emergency whistle: An emergency whistle is used to stop play in case of a serious injury or other issue on the field.

Other uses for whistles

Whistles are not just for NFL referees. In fact, whistles have a variety of uses. Whistles can be used for safety, to get someone’s attention, to train animals, and to signal an emergency. Let’s take a closer look at some of these uses.

What are some other uses for whistles?

In many situations, a whistle can be heard much more easily than a human voice, making it an ideal way to get someone’s attention. And because a whistle can be produced without using your hands, it also can be helpful in a variety of emergency situations.

Here are some other instances where you might find a whistle handy:

-If you’re a runner or cyclist and become separated from your group, blow a few loud blasts on your whistle to let them know where you are.
-If you get lost in the woods, blowing on a whistle will help rescuers find you more quickly.
-Some people keep whistles close at hand to use in case of an intruder or other emergency.
-A referee’s whistle is also sometimes used as a coaching tool in other sports, such as basketball, soccer and hockey.

How are whistles used in other settings?

Though most commonly associated with sports like football and basketball, whistles are also used in a variety of other settings, including:

-As a signaling device in crowds or large arenas
-To alert someone of an emergency
-In many workplaces, to signify the beginning or end of a shift
-During outdoor activities like hiking or camping, to indicate one’s location
-As a tool for training animals

The history of whistles

Football whistles have been around since the early 1800s. They were originally made out of wood or bone, and later evolved into metal. The first metal whistle was invented by Joseph Hudson in 1884, and it is still being used today. NFL referees use a variety of whistles, each with a different purpose.

Where do whistles come from?

The history of the whistle is closely intertwined with the history of the notion of fair play and sportsmanship.

The first known use of a whistle for signaling was by Roman Emperor Nero, who used a copper horn to summon his troops. This early whistle was called a lituus. The word itself comes from the Latin meaning “Looking-glass on a stick”, which is a pretty accurate description of its appearance.

The ancient Greeks and later the Romans used whistles during chariot races to signal the start and finish. These race track officials were called “summa rudis” and they blew their whistles to control the speed of the chariots.

During medieval times, ships passing through fog would sound hollow logs or other large pieces of wood as a warning to other vessels. This early form of maritime signalling was called “hooter”. In 1833, Paixhans shells, designed to explode on impact, were fitted aboard French Navy ships. To signal that these new guns were about to be fired, an officer would blow into a brass tube which emitted a loud shrill noise.”

How have whistles evolved over time?

While today’s whistles may not be too different from the ones used in the early days of organized sport, they have undergone a number of changes over the years.

The first recorded use of a whistle in sport was in 1848, when Henry Taylor, a waterman on the River Thames in London, used a “wooden whistle” to Calls his coxed four to attention.

The first metal whistle was invented by Joseph Hudson in 1883. His design, made of brass with a cork ball in the end, quickly gained popularity and is still in use today.

In 1888, Walter Wingfield patented the first referee whistle, which was made of ivory. This design was quickly adopted by other sports and is still used by NFL referees today.

The modern plastic whistle was invented by Garnet Aultman in 1909. His design, made of hard rubber, was more durable and easier to blow than metal or ivory whistles.