Final Details

[EddieH]

I've said it before, but the cheap plastic whistles carry about 50m maximum in a windy forest. I know I had a lad who decided to sit and blow one for an hour instead of finding a track. I had passed very close several times.

[seabird]

I find my work electronic fob works as a very good substitute for whistle inspections - just the right outline shape in a pocket.

Amazing how often you see the "No Whistle No Go" sign and yet there are no whistles for sale - and even more commonly no check!

It remains so random as to how truly committed to this policy, where it exists, many clubs are.

I remain solidly in the "having a whistle is pointless" camp. 24 years and counting never used one or heard one being used. Have come across plenty of people in that time calling out for help - and getting it.

[roadrunner]

I got from the details:
Day 2 - "Shorts will not be permitted should the weather prove hot. However, if it does then short sleeved tops are permitted." WTF? Does this mean that in cold weather long sleeved tops are compulsory?

Does that mean you can wear shorts as long as it's cold

[AndyC]

I have a whistle tied to my compass - no hassle, no handicap (might be no help but..).
I still think SI & Emit have missed a trick by not building whistles into dibbers and brikkes.

[Gross]

I still think SI & Emit have missed a trick by not building whistles into dibbers and brikkes.

Seriously hope you are taking the P**S

[229]

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[Electrocuted]

I really hate the 'no whistle no go' rule. I had to buy 3 whistles at the JK last year because I kept leaving it in the back pocket of my lycras and then putting them in the washing bag.

The OMM rucksacks cleverly incorporate a whistle into the plastic pinch clip across the chest - saves me forgetting one for the LAMM.

The only time I needed help getting out of a forest was at the Brish middle champs last year when I sprained my ankle. I'm quite sure my howling in pain alerted more people than a whistle would have!

[AndyC]

I still think SI & Emit have missed a trick by not building whistles into dibbers and brikkes.

Seriously hope you are taking the P**S

I'm deadly serious -we have to carry a brikke or a SI Card, they're big enough to be a whistle (just in the case of a SI Card) , some people (insurers?) want us to carry a whistle -QED make them the same thing (and we have to upgrade our perfectly useful device to comply = more money for the manufacturer (insert smilie for cynical))
Alternatively a whistle built into a compass?

Please note I make no comment about the usefulness of a whistle.

[EddieH]

What always amazes me is that it is at massive events where you are unlikely to be far from anyone that this rule seems to apply whilst we run in mid winter in vast areas with only a few people with no such rule. Mind you as I noted earlier a whistle is not very helpful then anyway, certainly not when it is windy.

[Pippa]

I have in the past rescued someone who was cragbound but luckily had a whistle.

Thought I was going to have to do it again at Eskdale the other week (which was annoying as I was having a good run), but it turned out to be an enthusiastic train.

[Homer]

I have a Silva compass with built in whistle. Not good enough for serious use but good for emergencies on long runs, etc.

[ba-ba]

The rather questionable Whistle-check bloke at the start of Day5 at the lakes making whistle innuendos was one of the highlights of the week (or was it so deeply disturbing it just seemed that way...)

Some points you may have missed:

Those without pins shall have their number stapled to their head. It is Easter, after all, so in-keeping with tradition we could nail it to your hands if you so wish, or pin it to your side with a spear.
Those without whistles shall have to undergo a rigorous test of vocal abilities before starting. If suitable screaming ability is displayed a whistle does not need to be carried, although dubious lumps in lycra pockets will be checked. The 'screaming zone' will be shared with those lamenting after a poor run and the BOF directors tent.
As the mournes are a prime Fell-running area those not sporting ludicrously short shorts and vest if the temperature drops below 5degC on day 3, or sufficient navigational inneptness shall be disqualified.

On a serious note, the FRA enforce fairly tight kit-carrying requirements for Medium and long (6miles+), open fell events. People may grumble (I carried full wind/water-proofs with not a cloud in the sky and 19degC temps last weekend) but get on with it anyway.
And suffer the subsequent back-ache the day after!

[Big Jon]

How about having a whistle check at the start of an event and disqualifying everyone who IS carrying one?

[Broken Ground]

Is it really that much hassle to carry a whistle though? Most (if not all) Lycras and O-Shorts have a pocket. It's just one of the pre run checks; Compass, Whistle, SI Card, Taped Laces etc...

[mike g]

Although I hate being made to carry a whistle I have once known someone need one - a Japanese girl at APOC in Hong Kong who fell into a 6 foot deep pit covered with vegetation!