What does the first referee do first in response to a foul?

The first thing the referee does in response to a foul is to blow the whistle. This action serves as an immediate signal that play must stop and alerts both teams and spectators that a foul has occurred. The whistle is a crucial part of the officiating protocol as it ensures that all players and coaches are aware that the game is halting momentarily, and it also provides a clear auditory cue to start the process of addressing the foul.

After the whistle, the referee may take further actions, such as displaying signals to indicate the specifics of the foul or awarding points. However, the initial response is always the whistle, which establishes authority and maintains the order of the game following a violation.