Are you Blind Ref? Are Referees Blind and Now Going Deaf too?

Are you Blind Ref?

The roar of the crowd, the blast of the whistle, the tension of a last-minute decision, the referee’s poor eyesight and the cry of ” Are you Blind Ref? ” It’s all part of the theatre, drama, and enjoyment of the game.  

Traditionally, fans have mocked referees for their ability to see (amongst other things) what seems like the obvious foul/penalty/offside, etc. (delete as appropriate). Cue shouts of “Should have gone to Specsavers.” At least that’s the polite, if not the usual,  jibe at the quality of their eyesight, which even prompted the well-known Opticians to put together a football-related ad. But beneath the drama, should we instead be more concerned about another of their senses? 

Football officials might be paying a price few fans ever consider: their hearing.  

This perhaps strange thought came to me the other day. I watched a Premier League game on TV, which must have been pretty dull, given that this idea popped into my head. The thought occurred when the camera focused on one of the assistant referees speaking to the ref through his mic and earpiece. If the assistant constantly hears the ref’s voice in his ear, does he have to put up with the constant shriek of the whistle every time the ref blows it?

Of course, we’ve seen the increasing use of technology in the game over the years, such as goal-line technology, VAR, etc., which is both good and arguably bad. We all see the obvious bits of tech, those that affect our watching/viewing/enjoyment of the game, but what else is in use during a match?

In this opening series piece, we explore the surprising science behind sound exposure on the pitch and why referees might risk more than just their reputations. 

⚠️ Are Assistant Referees at Risk of Going Deaf? 

It’s not the kind of question that usually makes headlines — but maybe it should. With the rise of high-decibel whistles and constant radio communication, are football’s assistant referees (linesmen) quietly suffering from hearing damage? 

Let’s break it down.

🔊 The Whistle Problem 

Referee whistles, like the Fox 40 Classic, apparently one of the loudest and most common ones in use by refs, reach over 106 decibels, louder than a chainsaw.
Studies show repeated exposure to sounds above 85 dB can cause hearing damage, and the referees often blow the whistle just inches from their ears. Some have reported tinnitus and hearing fatigue after matches. 

But what about the assistants? 

🎧 Radio Link: Friend or Foe? 

As it turns out, modern refereeing teams use encrypted wireless communication systems (e.g., Vokkero Squadra ) to maintain constant contact. These setups include noise-limiting earpieces designed to transmit voice, not ambient sound. That means: 

• The referee’s whistle isn’t transmitted through the earpiece.
• Communication is voice-activated or push-to-talk, so the sound doesn’t go through unless the ref is talking while blowing the whistle (which is unlikely).
• Earpieces often include decibel limiters to protect against sudden loud noises.  

📍 Proximity Matters 

Linesmen are typically 10–30 metres away from the referee during play. That distance significantly reduces the impact of the whistle’s volume. So while they’re exposed to crowd noise and occasional blasts nearby, they’re not getting the full acoustic assault. 

🧠 The Real Risk

If assistant refs are at risk, it’s likely to be from long-term exposure to crowd noise, especially in enclosed or high-capacity stadiums. Some officials use custom-moulded earpieces to reduce ambient noise while maintaining clear communication. 

⚽ Final Whistle

So it seems that while referees may be flirting with hearing damage, assistant referees are relatively well protected, thanks to innovative technology and thoughtful design. Still, it’s a reminder that occupational health matters must be considered even in football. Maybe my bored Sunday afternoon thought wasn’t so ridiculous after all?

Do you have thoughts on officiating tech or whistle alternatives? Please post them in the comments, or better yet, blow the whistle on outdated gear. 

Want to get involved in writing for the site? Got any interesting views/takes on the game? Get in touch here: contact@footballnonsense.co.uk

admin

John Herman is a Leeds-based, would-be football writer and founder of Football Nonsense. Blending fan passion with sharp opinion, he tackles the game’s biggest debates—from the terraces to the boardroom—with honesty, humour, and heart.