The rules for playing deaf basketball are regulated by the CISS, or the Comité International des Sports des Sourds, also known as the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf. These rules apply to competitions including the Deaflympics and World Championships. Rules of the game itself are outlined by the International Basketball Federation, known as the FIBA. Additional rules have been introduced by the CISS to make necessary adaptations for deaf players.
Hearing Aids
Hearing aids and cochlear implants are not permitted on the court during competition. According to the CISS rules, the use of these devices gives players an unfair advantage. Players who are found to be wearing hearing aids are removed from the game immediately and are not permitted to return for the duration of that game. If a player violates this rule twice, they will be disqualified from the sport for a time period to be determined by the CISS.
Hearing Level
All athletes who participate in deaf basketball on an international level are required to have a hearing loss of 55 decibels or more in the stronger ear. They must also be members of a national organization that is a member of the CISS, such as the USA Deaf Basketball Federation. If a country suspects an opposing player of not meeting these criteria, it can pay for the player to undergo a hearing exam. If the player fails, his home country must cover the expense and he will be barred from the tournament.
Equipment
Deaf basketball games often have less attendees than those of other major international basketball games. However, even when the games take place in smaller venues, there are four items that must be present. The first is a main time-and-score sign, chosen by the referee and situated so that all attendees can see it. A second clock, which is linked to the primary clock, must be at the end of the court. In keeping with the rules of the FIBA , there should be 24-second clocks on the court, as well as four or more locker rooms.
Referees
In the Deaflympic Games or World Championships, each country is permitted to submit the names of two referees. Their names should be given to the Organising Committee at least three months before the competition begins. Preferably, one or both of the referees will be deaf, though that is not a requirement. Any potential referees should have either an FIBA International referee license or a national qualification from the top league of their country.
Sign Language
There are no restrictions on the use of sign language during deaf basketball games, just as there are no rules against spoken language during games suited to hearing. However, any misconduct, including menacing or intimidating behavior, may result in a fine of up to $350 and removal from play, as stated by the CISS in 2010.
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