he whistle sounds: "toot," "Toot!" "Toot, tout!" "Toot-toot-toot!!" How many times have you worked with Whistle Willie, the guy who's always blowing his whistle? A play occurs in front of him, he blows his whistle. A play occurs across the field, he blows his whistle. The play ends ten yards away from him, he blows his whistle. A play occurs fifty yards downfield.... By the time the game is over his whistle — and your ears — are worn out.

The whistle is one of many accessories football officials carry to help them perform their job. Add to it the beanbag, the flag, the strap to keep track of downs, and you have the accoutrements of the football zebra.

This Chalk Talk takes a good look at when and why you use the whistle.

When should the whistle be blown?

Continued...