Classification for Deaf and Hearing Impaired athletes
What is Classification?
- Classification is required to participate in Athletes With Disabilities competitions at all levels e.g. District, Regional, State and National competitions / championships, Australian Deaf Games and Deaflympics
What sports are in AWD competiotions?
- Swimming
- Track and field events
Who requires Classification?
- Deaf and hearing impaired children (Primary and High School levels)
- Children with cochlear implant
- Adults who wish to compete in the Australian Deaf Games or in the Deaflympics
Eligibility for Classification?
- Over 55 db hearing loss in both ears
- Australian Deaf Games now require a 45db hearing loss in both ears
- Deaflympics still require 55db hearing loss
- If under 55 db - not eligible for AWD competitions or Deaflympics. You will be competing with non-disabled athletes;
How to get Classification?
- Contact State Administrator for details - dsrq@dsrq.org.au
- Organise your audiogram from Australian Hearing in your area;
- Fax your child's audiograms to DSRQ Office - 07 3357 8377
Why should deaf / hearing impaired be involved in AWD competitions?
- Opportunity to participate in competitive sporting events;
- Increase your potential for championship events e.g. District, Regional, State and National level;
- Meet other deaf / hearing impaired children from other schools;
- Chance to compete with other deaf athletes with similar skill levels
- You need to be prepared to compete with other athletes with different disabilities;
- Pathway for Australian Deaf Games and Deaflympics
Who should encourage deaf students to be involved in AWD?
- Parents of deaf children;
- Teacher of the deaf;
- Advisory Visiting Teachers (AVT);
- Teachers in regular schools;
- PE teachers;
- Coaches.
More information please refer to website of Queensland School Sport:
www.schoolsport.qld.edu.au/StateSport/DisabilitySports/tabid/64/Default.aspx
