Participation

Sports for athletes who are deaf or hard of hearing

Deaf Sports Australia supports the right of people who are deaf or hard of hearing to be involved in all aspects of the game, including full and equal active participation. Within this plan the term 'disability' includes all definitions of disability or words to this effect and includes all individuals involved in the sport, for example volunteers, coaches, administrators, officials and players.

Deaf Sports Australia has a strong history of leading and advocating positive and proactive change in community attitudes and social policy and we are committed to ensuring that opportunities to participate in sport are accessible to all Australians.

With our capacity to lead such change and an ability to engage a range of non-traditional participants, including women, indigenous communities and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds we look forward with confidence including more people who are deaf or hard of hearing actively participating in sports within Australia.

Accordingly Deaf Sports Australia is dedicated to making it easy for people who are deaf or hard of hearing to participate in sports and has developed the MOU Partnership Programs with targeted sports under the Sports Connect Framework which has been established by the Australian Sports Commission.

The MOU Partnership Program also provides education opportunities for National and State Sports Associations to build capacity and promote awareness in order to offer sports participation opportunities to deaf and hard of hearing participants.

If you are looking to get involved with a sport as a player, coach or official there are a number of options available to suit your needs.

Athletes can choose to participate in deaf specific sporting competitions or mainstream sporting competitions.

Getting started is easier than you think. There are opportunities for all age groups and skill and fitness levels.

To find out more about participating in your area, please contact Deaf Sports Australia.

DSA Athlete Eligibility Policy

As of the 1st July 2010, Deaf Sports Australia has announced their new Athlete Eligibility Policy which applies to all deaf and hard of hearing athletes who wish to participate in national and international sanctioned deaf sporting events.

International Deaf Sporting events such as the Deaflympic Games bring together deaf and hard of hearing athletes from around the globe.

Many athletes have varying levels of hearing losses and the International Sports Committee for the Deaf (ISCD) have established a criteria for these deaf and hearing impaired athletes wishing to compete at sanctioned international deaf sporting events.

As a result of the ISCD Eligibility criteria, Deaf Sports Australia have developed the Athlete Eligibility Policy to provide and ensure fair participation for all deaf and hard of hearing participants in ISCD and DSA sanctioned events.

Below is an outline of the qualification levels as set out by DSA:

Hearing Level Loss

Eligibility

0 – 39 dB 3FAHL

Not eligible to compete in DSA or ICSD approved events

 

40 – 54 dB 3FAHL

Eligible to compete in DSA approved events (eg: Australian Deaf Games, National Championships)

 

55 dB or more 3FAHL

Eligible to compete in DSA approved events (e.g. ADG, National Championships) and ICSD approved events (eg: Deaflympics, World Championships)

 

Current and former athletes who have submitted their Audiograms and qualified at international deaf sporting events will not be required to re-submit the forms again.

There is no general age limit for competitors. However, age restrictions may apply for specific sports or events as stated in the relevant International Sports Federations' regulations. Click here to obtain the list of age restrictions per sport.

In order to be eligible to participate at national and international deaf sporting events, deaf and hard of hearing athletes are required to submit a copy of their Audiogram Form which has been confirmed by their Audiologist, and forwarded to Deaf Sports Australia.

Steps on obtaining the Athlete Eligibility status:

  1. Download & print the DSA Audiogram Form
  2. Take to Audiologist to confirm level of hearing loss
  3. Post completed Audiogram Form to DSA using address outlined below
  4. DSA will respond advising of athlete’s eligibility

Click here to obtain the DSA Audiogram Form

Click here to obtain the DSA Athlete Eligibility Policy

All completed Audiogram Forms are to be forwarded to DSA:

Audiogram Review Panel
Deaf Sports Australia
Level 3, 340 Albert Street
East Melbourne Vic 3002

Please note that all completed forms will be treated confidentially.

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