WTA has begun audio tests in efforts to curb grunting
BOUT D*MN TIME!!! Ugh, can not STAND that grunting...... many a match has been muted because of it. Finally it could end.
ISTANBUL — The WTA has quietly begun testing noise levels at tournaments as it explores how to rid the sport of unwarranted grunting.
In an interview Saturday with USA TODAY Sports, WTA chief executive Stacey Allaster said the tour had initiated audio tests with on-court measuring devices at tournaments. She gave scant specifics.
"We have begun to do the audio testing, and we have begun it in this quarter of 2013," Allaster said on Saturday at the WTA Championships.
Allaster said the tour had engaged an unnamed research firm with expertise in urban noise levels to assist with the gathering of data. She said it was too early to discuss details or timelines about how the research would be collected, measured and presented.
"There is more data to be done, there's more assessment to be done on the different audible levels," she said. "There are a variety of different environments that you need to assess the audible levels — indoor buildings, outdoor buildings, small venues, different surfaces, etc."
The tour has addressed excessive grunting after public criticism from players and negative feedback from media and fans. Some of its top players such as Maria Sharapova, Victoria Azarenka and Serena Williams are among the worst offenders.
At the 2012 Wimbledon, officials unveiled a three-pronged plan aimed at curbing offensive levels of noise via technology, rule changes and education — including the possible development of a hand-held "grunt-o-meter" device for umpires.
For now, the focus remains on education.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/tennis/2013/10/26/wta-championships-stacey-allaster-grunting/3274051/
= new reply since forum marked as read
I'm just sayin...
