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AthletesParticipation CriteriaTo be eligible for participation in competitions for the deaf and hard of hearing, an athlete must have a hearing loss of 55 decibels (dB) or greater in the better ear (three frequency pure tone average at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hertz [Hz]). These results are reported with respect to the International Standards Organization 1964 standard reference values. According to Davis and Silverman (1978), a 55 to 70 dB loss in the better ear is categorized as a marked or moderate disability; a 70 to 90 dB loss in the better ear is considered a severe disability; and any loss over 90dB is an extreme handicap because amplification does not help in hearing the speech of others. For purposes of competition, however, the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD, formerly CISS) does not classify athletes according to their degree of hearing loss. All people with a hearing loss of 55dB or greater in the better ear compete against one another. USA Deaf Sports Federation is a National Association member of the ICSD and complies with the Deaflympics regulations prohibiting the use of hearing aids or cochlear implant aids during any sanctioned competitions. Helpful Tip: To determine your eligibility by reading your own audiogram, here are the instructions. Athlete and Coach Selection CriteriaThe Federation exercises its coordinating authority with each National Sport Organization to develop and approve procedures for selecting athletes and coaches to represent the United States in international competitions. Contact information for all sports is listed in this directory. The minimum athlete and coach standards that all criteria must include are found in this document. Coach applicants are required to register with the National Center for Safety Initiatives and complete an online criminal background check. Instructions are available in this one-page sheet. The year displayed in parentheses next to each sport listed below indicates criteria's expiration after the competition ends.
BADMINTON (None available - inactive sport)
BASEBALL (None available - inactive sport)
BASKETBALL
BOWLING
CURLING
CYCLING
GOLF (None available)
ICE HOCKEY
MARTIAL ARTS
ORIENTEERING
SHOOTING
SKI & SNOWBOARD
SOCCER
SWIMMING
TABLE TENNIS (None available - inactive sport)
TEAM HANDBALL
TENNIS
TRACK & FIELD ("ATHLETICS")
VOLLEYBALL - BEACH
VOLLEYBALL
WATER POLO
WRESTLING
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