NFL Refs Bust Out New Whistles for Pandemic Football
Zeke Warren-Weigmann
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With the first week of the 2020 NFL season already in the books, and week two just getting underway, referees have once again come under intense scrutiny by both fans and media alike. From the questionable ejection of Lion’s linebacker Jamie Collins, to a controversial offensive pass interference call that may well have cost the Dallas Cowboys their week one matchup with the LA Rams, it seems that even during a pandemic the zebras cannot escape the wrath of a football loving public.
However, in all the controversy, one thing that may have escaped public notice are changes made to refereeing in the time of Covid, especially when it comes to whistles. Unlike the players, referees are mandated to wear a face covering. Whether it be a face mask, a scarf, or a face shield, something has to protect the refs from the virus (and help prevent any spread from an infected official), a safety precaution that while necessary, makes blowing a whistle in the conventional style nearly impossible. As a solution to this conundrum, the NFL has invested in a creative alternative; handheld electronic whistles.
Designed to fit in the palm of any referee’s hand, the NFL has heavily invested into this venture, ordering “several hundred” from a company called Fox40. Founded by former basketball referee Ron Foxcroft, Fox40 originally designed the whistle to be used in such settings as lifeguarding, train conductors, and search-and-rescue operations. “Our electronic whistle was never designed for sports,” Foxcroft said. “But then the pandemic hit, and that changed everything.”
Due to this original vision, the whistles as they are now are ill equipped for long term use in professional sports, as the current model uses traditional batteries and lacks any waterproof functionality. Fox40 is currently working on a model more compatible for NFL use, one that is water resistant and functions using rechargeable batteries. This iteration of the whistle is expected to be ready by playoff time.