The referee uses the whistle for kick-offs, after a goal, for certain stoppages, and for certain restarts. It is not needed to stop play for a clear goal kick, corner kick, throw-in or goal, or to restart play from most free kicks and from a goal kick, corner kick, throw-in or dropped ball.
When the whistle is needed
Here is when the whistle is and is not needed.
| Situation | Is the whistle needed? |
|---|---|
| Starting the first or second half of normal play or extra time, and restarting after a goal | Yes |
| Stopping play for a free kick or penalty kick | Yes |
| Stopping play if the match is suspended or abandoned | Yes |
| The end of each half | Yes |
| Restarting with a free kick when the appropriate distance is required | Yes |
| Restarting with a penalty kick | Yes |
| Restarting after a stoppage for a caution or sending-off, an injury or a substitution | Yes |
| Stopping play for a clear goal kick, corner kick, throw-in or goal | No |
| Restarting with most free kicks, or with a goal kick, corner kick, throw-in or dropped ball | No |
Stopping play and restarting play are separate: the whistle is needed to stop play for a free kick, but most free kicks do not need it at the restart.
Why the whistle is not used for everything
The whistle is not needed to stop play for a clear goal kick, corner kick, throw-in or goal, and most free kicks can be taken without waiting for a signal.
A whistle used too frequently or unnecessarily has less impact when it is needed.
When players must wait for the whistle
If the referee wants players to wait for the whistle before a restart, the referee must clearly tell the attacking players to wait. One example is a free kick where the referee is making sure defending players are 9.15 m from the ball.
If a player takes the free kick before the referee's signal after that instruction, the free kick must be retaken and the player who took it is cautioned for unsporting behaviour.
Signals at a kick-off and a penalty kick
Under the IFAB Laws of the Game, kick-offs and penalty kicks each have their own signal requirement.
- Kick-off: At every kick-off, the referee gives a signal. If the player taking the kick-off kicks the ball before that signal, the kick-off is retaken by the same team.
- Penalty kick: Once the players are in position in accordance with the Law, the referee signals for the penalty kick to be taken.
FAQ
Does a free kick always need a whistle?
To stop play for a free kick, yes. To restart play, most free kicks do not need a whistle; it is needed when the appropriate distance is required, or when the referee has clearly told the attacking players to wait.
What happens if the referee blows the whistle by mistake?
If the whistle is blown in error and play stops, the restart is a dropped ball. The key point is that the mistaken whistle has stopped play.
Do players have to be told to wait for the whistle?
Yes. If the referee wants players to wait before restarting play, the attacking players must be clearly informed.
Is the whistle required after a goal?
Yes. The whistle is needed to restart after a goal. That is separate from stopping play for a clear goal, which does not need a whistle.