Why the whistle should be mandatory for all hockey players

As a coach at school and club level, much of my preparation for a season would be focused on drills, cones, bounce boards, enough practice and match balls and pitch availability, writes leading official Andy Mair.

But here’s a thought: why aren’t whistles added to that list?

Why don’t we give every member of our squad or club their own whistle? Then follow that up with the expectation that they will be called upon to use it in a training session or even a match. That could release the coach to focus on other matters too.