I don't agree with "the ref should NEVER have to interfere with a whistle." On an obvious ball that is well out of play, certainly they should stop play and get set for the restart. But on those close balls where the player is trying to save the ball right on the line, are they expected to call a ball themselves by an inch or two out of play? It's not always easy in the middle of a play to tell whether "the whole ball crossed the whole line." In close calls, one player may stop thinking the ball is out of play, while the other continues on, gets the ball, and never gets stopped. I teach my players to play it safe...on a close call, keep playing until someone stops you--your opponent most likely will.
As for the ref and the linesmen...on the close calls, raise a flag. Blow a whistle. It's not that much effort.
And don't ask them to start calling their own fouls...that ain't happening either.
