Comparative analysis of the acoustic environment in classic basketball and 3x3 discipline: specific risks for referees

Abstract

The development of 3x3 basketball as a separate Olympic discipline has created new conditions for the professional activity of referees, which are significantly different from classical basketball. The specifics of open urban space and aggressive sound accompaniment require a detailed study of risk factors for the health and quality of work of referees. The purpose of the study is to conduct a comparative analysis of the acoustic environment in classical basketball (Indoor) and the 3x3 discipline (Outdoor) to identify specific occupational hazards. Methods of research: theoretical analysis of FIBA regulatory documents, comparative analysis, method of systematization and generalization. Results of research. Fundamental differences in the structure of noise load have been established: for closed arenas, reverberation noise and the “acoustic dome effect” are characteristic, while in 3x3 basketball chaotic urban noise and continuous musical accompaniment (non-stop) dominate, which creates cognitive dissonance. The concept of "autogenic noise" (the sound of the referee's own whistle up to 125 dB) as a risk factor for acquired hearing loss is substantiated. The features of "proximal pressure" in streetball are determined, where vocal aggression at a minimum distance acts as a combined psychoacoustic stressor. Conclusions. The acoustic environment of 3x3 basketball is more aggressive and multimodal compared to the classical analogue, which requires the introduction of specialized individual hearing protection and adaptation of communication protocols.