Regulations

Athlete Eligibility

The Australian Deaf Games bring people together in an honest and impartial competition of Deaf and hard of hearing Australians. No discrimination is permitted toward a team or a person on account of race, religion or politics.

Participation in the Australian Deaf Games is restricted to persons who are:

• Deaf or hard of hearing.
• Received training at Deaf schools, or special support services;
• Members of an affiliated State Association.
• Is involved in the Deaf Community.
• Have a hearing loss and consider themselves “Deaf” or “hard of hearing”.

Wearing of hearing aid(s), cochlear implants and any other equipment designed to enhance hearing skills shall be decided by each National Deaf Sport Organisation or in their absence, Deaf Sports Australia.

There is no age limit for competitors.

The requirements of twelve (12) months’ residence prior to the Games for State
representation by a competitor shall apply.

In the event of a competitor transferring to another State he/she shall be deemed to
remain a member of his/her former State until he/she has resided in his new State for at least twelve (12) months or until he/she has obtained a clearance from the deaf organisation of his/her former State as recognised by Deaf Sports Australia, after which he/she may represent his/her new State.

Any Deaf or hard of hearing competitor residing in a Territory where there is no deaf
organisation shall be free to join a Deaf sport organisation in an adjoining State/Territory as he/she wishes, provided that he has resided in the Territory for not less than twelve (12) months.

Any competitor who otherwise conforms with the residential qualification shall not lose his/her right to represent his/her State if he/she has been out of Australia for a period of not more than twelve (12) months and returns to his/her home State.