NIRSA is thrilled to announce The Protector Whistle’s new P51 Whistle as the official whistle of the 2023-2024 NIRSA National Championship Series.

“The NIRSA Championship Series provides premier championship experience within a safe and inclusive environment: The Protector Whistle is playing a role in that safety,” Nicole Jackson, NIRSA Director of Sport Programs, says. “We hope this opportunity can showcase the importance of keeping safety front of mind.”

It was an easy call: With the NIRSA Championship Series’ dedication to experiential learning through sport and NIRSA’s commitment to being a driving force in health and wellbeing, this partnership was an obvious choice to Jerry Heater, CEO of The Protector Whistle.

“The core of our mission at Protector Whistler revolves around making a positive impact on the game while providing unwavering support to officials,” Jerry says. “With our P51 Whistle, we strive to foster healthier competition, not only for players but also for fans and coaches alike.”

Players, volunteers, and spectators at NIRSA’s national soccer, flag football, and basketball tournaments can expect to see The Protector Whistle represented in tournament marketing materials, during officials’ clinics, and – of course – in the hands of tournament officials.

“The Series is excited to bring The P51 Whistle to nationals as a better and safer piece of equipment for our officials and the athletes during the game,” Nicole explains. “We can’t wait to see them in action at nationals.”

In sponsoring the NIRSA Championship Series, The Protector Whistle brings a strong game supporting officials’ development.

“We are dedicated to recruiting and mentoring the next generation of officials, and with the P51 Whistle and Protector Whistle brand, we aim to not only prioritize safety but also propel the game forward with innovative thinking,” Jerry says.

The company participates in several officiating campus for basketball and volleyball, and it’s endorsed by Gene Steratore, NFL and NCAA rules analyst for CBS Sports, a retired NFL referee of 15 years, and a D1 NCAA basketball referee of 21 years.

Crafted by officials, for officials, the P51 Whistle revolutionizes the whistle’s impact with its ingenious design. By diverting emissions downward, the P51 eliminates a staggering 95% of aerosol droplets that pose an unnecessary risk to players, coaches, and fans alike. All this is achieved while delivering the same unrivaled sound, performance, and reliability synonymous with traditional sports whistles. The outcome? A truly superior whistle, engineered for evolution, as Jerry highlights, “that supports NIRSA’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing wellbeing and safety.”

Contact Jerry Heater for more information about The Protector Whistle and for special NIRSA member pricing. To learn more about the NIRSA Championship Series, reach out to Director of National Sports Programs Nicole Jackson. For more information about sponsoring the NIRSA Championship Series, contact Director of Corporate Relations Emily Hughes.

NIRSA Assistant Director of Expo & Corporate Relations at | NIRSA Profile

Kelley Hungerford is currently the Assistant Director of Expo & Corporate Relations at NIRSA.