Posts Tagged ‘vuvuzela’

When the FIFA World Cup first started, I thought there was something wrong with my TV. There was this constant noise in the background that was really annoying.

Then I found out online that it was the vuvuzela, which through the flow of air produces a loud monotone sound.  At the beginning there were a lot of complaints about the instrument, especially from TV viewers since they were unable to enjoy the game without that disturbing noise ringing in their ears constantly, as the vuvuzela has its own effects on the human health with leading to hearing loss if they constantly hear it.

Eventually, people got used to it (with channels like ESPN and BBC trying to minimize the sound behind the commentary) but it became a symbol of South African football.

Symbol of the 2010 World Cup for football.

But not basketball.

Basketball fans will not have to worry about the constant noise in the back as FIBA has banned the use of vuvuzelas at this year’s edition of the World Cup in Turkey, citing health reasons as a the main issue, and will confiscate them if brought to the game.

“We want fans to enjoy themselves and make lots of noise but not at the risk of spoiling it for others” said Patrick Baumann, FIBA Secretary-General and member of the International Olympic Committee.

Last time you see these vuvuzelas in a basketball court 🙂

Baumann also believes that the vuvuzela is not “appropriate in a confined space such as a basketball arena” and that medical experts believe the “decibel level and frequency can be harmful to hearing.”

The ban will be implemented in all FIBA indoors tournaments.

Finally, a sport that cares about its fans 😉