Basketball chiefs ban vuvuzelas indoors

GENEVA - Vuvuzelas may have been a feature of the football World Cup finals in South Africa, but on Monday basketball chiefs said the noisemakers would not be tolerated at any of their affiliated indoor competitions.

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) announced that the ruling would be applied to all indoor competitions organized by the organization, which is the sport’s governing body.

Officials said the measure would first be applied at the world championships, being held in Turkey from Aug. 28 to Sept. 12.

“We want the fans to have a good time and make lots of noise, but not to the point that they spoil the party for the others,” explained Patrick Baumann, the secretary general of FIBA.

“A vuvuzela is not appropriate in a confined space like a basketball arena. It is very noisy and medical experts believe that the decibel level could be dangerous for hearing.”

Baumann said the move will also help ensure a smooth game.

“It is our responsibility to protect the well-being of players and fans. Too much noise could lead to problems of communication between the referees and could have negative repercussions on the matches,” he said.

“We therefore ask the spectators not to bring vuvuzelas because they will be confiscated by security guards, and anyone who succeeds in taking one into an arena risks not getting to see the match,” added Baumann.

AFP