New 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.

For more information on the Policy, please email Irena Farinacci at irena.farinacci@deafsports.org.au