Deaf basketball is a sport that is governed by CISS, the Comité International des Sports des Sourds, also known as International Committee of Sports for the Deaf. Deaf basketball has many competitions, including the Deaf Olympics and World Championships. General rules for the games are set down by FIBA, the International Basketball Federation, but special modifications are made by CISS for deaf players.
Equipment on the Court
During CISS deaf basketball games, there are a few things that must always be present regardless of the size of the venue. There must be a main time sign and score sign. These will be chosen by the referee and placed so everyone in attendance can see it. There must be a second clock that is linked to the primary clock at the end of the court. According to FIBA rules, there must also be a 24-second clock on the court.
Hearing Loss Levels
All deaf basketball competitions ruled by CISS are restricted to players who have hearing loss of at least 55dB in their good ear and are a team member of a national member of CISS. If a team questions the hearing of another player, they can request that his hearing be tested. If the player's hearing loss is not severe enough and he fails the test, his country must pay any expenses and he is removed from the competition.
Hearing Aids
During deaf basketball competitions, the use of hearing aids or cochlear implants for players is strictly forbidden. The CISS believes that wearing a hearing aid will give players an unfair advantage. If a player is caught with a hearing aid, she will be ejected from the game immediately and not allowed to return. All score and fouls made by the player will remain valid .Also, only coaches and trainers involved the game being played have the right to file a
protest against the wearing of a hearing aid
Referees
Referees for deaf basketball must have their FIBA license when possible. Each country involved in a competition is permitted to bring two referees with them at its own expense. It is preferable for at least one of the referees brought by each country to be deaf. The deaf referee must possess a referee's license of at least the 2nd division of the national league system.
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