The whistle is needed:

• for the Kick off (1st, 2nd half and after a goal is scored)
• to stop play
• for a ceremonial free kick restart
• penalty kick
• if match is suspended or terminated
• when a period of play has ended due to the expiration of time
• restart play after it has been stopped due to:
  • the issue of a yellow or red card for misconduct
  • injury
  • substitution

The whistle is NOT needed to stop play for:

• a goal kick, corner kick or throw-in
• a goal
• to restart play from a free kick.

A whistle which is used too frequently or unnecessarily will have less impact when it is needed.

When a discretionary whistle is needed to start play, the referee should clearly announce to the players that the restart may not occur until after thE WHISTLE.