[jvriezen]

I'm wondering if part of the problem is that the show folks make the (reasonable) assumption that they only need to test sound levels on the fields, in the stands and maybe at the driver stations, not realizing that there are students and volunteers routinely at the outskirts of the field area for queuing and other things.

Hence, they put their speakers out there and blast the folks in the queuing areas, having not tested those areas to be within decibel limits. It would be better if speakers were elevated over the ear level of those working the event, rather than set on the floor as they often are.