I'm trying to think of another governed sport that allows headphones during sanctioned tournament or match play, and I can't.
Interestingly enough, there's another reason for banning headphones during play, according to the United States Golf Association (keeper of the rules):
The Rules of Golf: Rule 14-3
Wearing Headphones or Earplugs During Stipulated Round
The use of headphones or earplugs to eliminate noise or other distractions is prohibited under Rule 14-3.
Decision 14-3/16 covers listening to music or some other broadcast during a round. Here is the text of that Decision:
Rule 14-3a states that a player may not use any artificial device or unusual equipment that "might assist him making a stroke or in his play." Listening to music or a broadcast while making a stroke or for a prolonged period might assist the player in his play, for example, by eliminating distractions or promoting a good tempo. Therefore, the use of an artificial device to listen to music or a broadcast, whether or not through headphones, while making a stroke or for a prolonged period of time during a stipulated round is a breach of Rule 14-3. However, it would not be a breach of Rule 14-3 for a player to listen to a device briefly, for example, to obtain the results of another sporting event or traffic information, while walking between the putting green of one hole and the teeing ground of another hole.
There is no restriction on listening to music or other broadcasts while practicing (whether on the practice ground or on the golf course, and whether by oneself or while playing with others), although club rules and disciplinary codes could apply in such circumstances.
So, in the sense that it creates an unfair advantage (and players will tell you they wear earbuds because they play better), it's no different than any other banned performance-enhancer. And, BTW, the PDGA also already bans artificial devices that assist play, so it's only a matter of defining earbuds/headphones/earplugs as "artificial devices."
This refers to golf where commentators say, "The green is sloping to the left, he should adjust." then the player adjusts.
In most sports you want to hear your surroundings. In all team sports you need to hear your team. You can only compare it to individual sports outside of water. Cyclists do not wear them because of the potential for cars. It is banned in track because coaches can pace runners. So the only sport you can really compare it to is golf, and they will allow it as soon as Dr. Dre sponsors a majors event.
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