March 29, 2025

The Briefing

The Briefing shares 3 things for the 3T all snappy-like, just like your whistle timing.

1. Whistle-in-Mouth ➡️ Great Timing and Comms – Here's Why
2. Fareham Junior Umpire Development Night 🎉
3. Advanced Comms Series

1. Whistle-in-Mouth ➡️ Great Timing and Comms

“You look like you have a dummy in your mouth.”

Having just arrived in England almost 2 decades ago, this is how an umpire coach admonished me for leaving my whistle in for a time he deemed too long.

Fast-forward 20 years, multiple rule changes, and exponential increases in pace, that advice is as outdated as my nan's floral blouses.

Working with umpires regularly on the ground in the UK, I notice two issues I'm regularly trying to improve with them: their whistle timing and their ability to communicate and manage the free hit effectively once they've given a foul.

Let's deal with the objections first.

1. You won't blow the whistle accidentally, trip and choke on it, or any such imagined catastrophes. I mean, really?
2. Nobody is watching you. They won't notice you've got a small object in your mouth. They WILL notice how bloody quickly you blow and wonder how you got so awesome.
3. You can shout “play” around the whistle held in your teeth. Better yet, you've got not one but two beautifully expressive arms with which you can show everything you're thinking.

What are the benefits of a quicker whistle to timing and management?

1. You beat the players to their appeals so they stop. (*cue angels singing from upon high*)
2. Better player comprehension of what you're calling because you're more closely pairing the event with the decision. That also reduces dissent. (*more angels singing*)
3. Improved flow as the ball is closer to the spot of the foul and players can take advantage of quick self-pass and free hit pieces.
4. With your whistle still in your mouth, you can proactively address ball placement and 5m issues with a double-peep that gets players' attention. Immediately.
5. The whistle will stop you from launching into monologues about what you just called, distracting you and the players from getting on with the play. Show a secondary signal if you must, converse at the right time, but quit it with the narration!

Ready to try it? Think I'm on drugs? Let me know. 💪

2. Fareham Junior Umpire Development Night

Working with a dozen fresh-faced junior umpires in a practical setting at a friendly club? Don't threaten me with a good time.

Fareham HC laid out the welcome mat, and the South Central Hit Squad was again on hand to support, encourage, and banter.

Want to run a development activity for your club or association? Let's chat.

3. Advanced Comms Series

The response to the ACS series has been exciting so far, so I'm working on the course edits after presenting the material to groups of umpires in 3T Yellow and South Central.

Below is a slice from the Post-Match Comms episode on leaving the pitch.

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