[mtaman02]

Since I've seen first hand when things first get setup, I can say that that FIRST isn't the one who decides how high the volume goes. The A/V crew (obviously) sets all that up. With that in mind the day before practice matches these guys are doing all sorts of sound checks and mic checks and all that and adjusting accordingly. There is no set standard since different venues are of different sizes thus one needing more sound / volume then another).

When they do all this testing their doing it when the place is empty when all but the field crew is there. Chances are those sound levels they adjusted on setup day will change come practice day and so on and so forth b/c more or less people are there.

In any case to simplify the matter - ALL you have to do is find the A/V Table (Which more often then not is by or close to the field) and tell them where to turn it down a notch and they'll happily adjust to your taste (they did for us in LI). If they should turn you away as you stated then find the regional director (which if I'm not mistaken supersedes event managment) and tell them to talk to the appropriate people into acknowledging your request. By right no one should be turned away when a complaint is made b/c it is in fact a safety and health hazard. You can also look for someone wearing a SRE shirt (Show Ready Event Shirt) and voice your complaint - I suggest going to the regional director though - They're the ones who set the event up, then the chain forms from there I think.

Seeing how I get to Queue teams next to giant sub-woofers and speakers (ground level!) I can see where your concern is and agree that at certain events the noise level can be excessive esp if your working next to the source and not just sitting underneath / in front of it.