Irish Deaf Sports Association

IDSA has only members despite a population of 50,000 deaf/Hard of Hearing people in Ireland . (Central Statistic Office, 2002)

If you are interested in becoming a member, simply complete the membership form and post it to Member Subscriptions, Irish Deaf Sports Association, 40 Lower Drumcondra Road , Drumcondra, Dublin 9.

Download Form

If you would like to be posted a copy of the form, fax IDSA office on 01 8500 499 or email or contact you nearest regional office.

Membership of IDSA entitles you to participate in democratic decision-making process of the organisation including the election of Board members also to participate in the Inter-Provincial Tournament that takes place every year during Easter.

IDSA services are open to all members with all levels of deafness (Hard of Hearing, Hearing Impairment, Partially Deaf, Severly Deaf, Profoundly Deaf)

Eligibility

The Summer and Winter Deaflympics bring together deaf athletes of all affiliated National Deaf Sports Federations.

Participants in the Deaflympics and ICSD sanctioned competitions must be:

“Deaf, defined as a hearing loss of at least 55 dB in the better ear (3-tone frequency average at 500, 1000 and 2000 Hertz, ISO 1964 Standard)”

In order to hold a fair and even competition, an eligible category is complied by all Deaf athletes. Should a Deaf athlete with a lesser hearing loss compete with another with a greater hearing loss, an advantage is present through means of hearing abilities. Since the aim of every competition is to identify the athlete with the best ability to perform certain sporting act, the athlete must have at least 55 dB in the better ear (3- tone frequency average at 500, 1000 and 2000 Hertz, ISO 1964 Standard) therefore removing any hearing ability advantage.

Examples of competitions where hearing plays an advantage are team sports where verbal tips are given which contributes to successful play or being made verbally aware of any count-downs.

It is strictly forbidden for a competitor to use any kind of hearing aid(s)/amplification or external cochlear implant parts during competition. It is quite clear that using amplification in sports gives an advantage over those not using it. Therefore it is forbidden in competition.

Each new athlete must use the official ICSD Audiogram form. Click to downloaded form.

Click for more information with Audiogram Regulation.