Athlete Eligibility Policy

Deaf Sports New Zealand 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 Sport New Zealand Athlete Eligibility Policy

The Athlete Eligibility Policy 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 (ICSD) have established a criteria under the Audiogram Regulations for these deaf and hearing impaired athletes wishing to compete at sanctioned international deaf sporting events.

The ICSD Audiogram Regulations can be read or downloaded by clicking here.

As a result of the ISCD eligibility criteria, Deaf Sports New Zealand (DSNZ) have developed the Athlete Eligibility Policy to provide and ensure fair participation for all deaf and hard of hearing athletes in ISCD, DSNZ and affiliates sanctioned events.

Below is an outline of the qualification levels:

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

In order to find out if you meet the Eligibility Criteria, you will need to download the Audiogram Form, and have it completed by your Audiologist.

The completed form then needs to be sent to DSNZ via email at info@deafsports.co.nz

Alternatively, you can forward DSNZ the latest copy of your Audiogram form – it must not be older than 12 months.

The forms can only be submitted ONCE. If you have done this before, you will not need to do another one. However if you are not sure, please contact Deaf Sports New Zealand.

There is no general age limit for competitors. However, age restrictions may apply for specific sports or events - the list of age eligibility for each sport can be downloaded here

For further information, please read the following links: 

• http://www.deaflympics.com/pdf/AntiDopingRules.pdf