Deaflympics - Regulations

DG1. BASIC PRINCIPLES

The aims of the Deaflympics include the:

  • physical and mental well-being of deaf sports people;
  • provision of opportunities for deaf persons to participate in elite sports;
  • bringing together of athletes from around the world in a quadrennial sports competition; and
  • promotion of the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD) principles throughout the world thereby creating global goodwill in the Deaf community.

DG2. GENERAL INFORMATION

  1. Deaflympics take place every four years. The Summer Deaflympics and the Winter Deaflympics shall be held, in turn, each second year. These Deaflympics receive official patronage of IOC.
  2. In no case may the Deaflympics be postponed to another year or take place during the same year as the Olympic Games.
  3. The hosting of the Deaflympics is not predetermined but rather, proposed to the Congress by the candidate Federation.
  4. The duration of the Summer and Winter Deaflympics generally will be no longer than twelve (12) days for the Summer Deaflympics, and eight (8) days for the Winter Deaflympics, exclusive of the Opening Ceremony and pre-games events/qualifying rounds.
  5. The Deaflympics are the exclusive property of the ICSD. The ICSD may, amongst other things, grant licences with respect to the Deaflympics.
  6. With approval from the ICSD Executive Committee (EC), the ICSD Executive Director, in calling for bids, shall outline details of the licence fee, including the amount of the bond of USD$20.000/$35.000 for Winter/Summer Deaflympics respectively, which the winning country is required to pay within three (3) months of the official announcement.
  7. The Deaflympics are not a contest between nations. There will be no classification at nation level in the transcript of results.
  8. Participation in the Deaflympics is restricted to persons who are:
    1. deaf, defined as a hearing loss of at least 55dB in the better ear (3 tone frequency average of 500, 1,000 and 2,000 Hertz, ANSI 1969 standard);
    2. citizen of a nation member of the ICSD; and
    3. not using hearing aids or external cochlear implant aids during any Deaflympics event.

DG3. BIDDING PROCEDURES

  1. A national federation or any group interested in bidding for the right to host a Summer or Winter Deaflympics must submit a letter of interest with the proposed city and date to the Secretariat nine (9) years before the conduct of the actual Deaflympics.
  2. Bids for Summer or Winter Deaflympics can also be accepted from cities of nation members (i.e. Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau).
  3. A bidding application for the right to host the Deaflympics shall be accompanied by the following certificates of support from the following organisations including the:
    1. Government (or Ministry),
    2. The City's Mayor Office
    3. National Olympic Committee,
    4. the applicable National Deaf Sport Federation.
  4. Deadline for bid submissions shall be determined by the EC and announced at least twelve (12) months prior to the deadline.
  5. The bids shall be formally determined at the Congress held six years before the conduct of the actual Deaflympics.
  6. A bidding application for the Deaflympics must contain details as to the:
    1. proposed city and dates of the Deaflympics; and;
    2. current price list for hotel, meals, local transportation options.
  7. A National Federation applying to host the Deaflympics must sign a contract agreeing to abide with the existing ICSD "Deaflympics – Regulations" prior to conducting a site inspection.
  8. The National Federation bidding for the Deaflympics must arrange for a site visit to the city by the ICSD President or his representative. The site visit must take place in the same month that the proposed Deaflympics are to take place in that country.
  9. There shall be no such site visit if the Secretariat has not received the documents outlined in DG3: #3, #6 and #7 prior to the visit.
  10. The Congress shall declare the site of the Deaflympics by a simple majority of the votes recorded by eligible National Federation members present at the Congress.
  11. Where none of the candidates receive a majority of the votes at the first round of voting, subsequent rounds of voting must take place until a candidate receives the majority of votes.
  12. In event of a tie in the voting between two cities, representatives from these cities shall be invited to make a five-minute presentation each and to answer questions before for a final vote to be taken. However, if a tie persists, the names of the two candidate cities shall be placed in a box and the President shall draw one name and declare that city as the host of the Deaflympics.

DG4. ORGANISING COMMITTEE

  1. The bidding city awarded the Deaflympics shall within a period of six (6) months after winning the bid appoint an Organising Committee (OC) and delegate to it the responsibility of organising the Deaflympics.
  2. The OC shall be comprised of persons with management experience (deaf and hearing). The OC shall enter into direct dialogue with the Secretariat by electronic communication facilities.
  3. The OC may form a centralised Secretariat with telephone/fax and electronic communication facilities. The numbers of these communications should be advertised on the Organising Committee's letterheads and web site, if any.
  4. The OC is responsible for the organisation of the Deaflympics and must enter into dialogue with the National Olympic Committee in regard to obtaining support for the work of the Committee.
  5. The OC shall get in touch with appropriate National Sports Federations and work with their officials when determining the sports program for the Deaflympics.
  6. The OC may appoint an official Deaflympics travel agent for the travel and accommodation needs of all sporting teams. The travel agency should have electronic communication facilities. The appointment of the travel agent should be made two years prior to the Deaflympics.
  7. Team manager, director, leader (Chef de Mission) may visit the Deaflympics site one year before the opening of the Games. The OC shall determine the schedule for site visits. Visits at any other times will not be assisted by the OC.

DG5. REPORTING

  1. Quarterly progress reports, as required by the EC, shall be submitted with the Secretariat until one (1) year preceding the Deaflympics. Thereafter, a monthly report is required.
  2. A member or members of the OC may request attending any Executive Committee (EC) meeting of the ICSD to present progress reports.
  3. A complete report detailing the technical and organisation of the Deaflympics will be submitted to the ICSD Congress at least two and four years prior the conduct of the Deaflympics.
  4. At the conclusion of the Deaflympics, a final report containing the following:
    1. results for all events;
    2. evaluation of all competitions;
    3. finances; and
    4. statistical information including the number of competitors, officials and spectators at countries, athlete/spectator and gender level;

shall be presented to the Secretariat no later than one year after the conduct of the Deaflympics.

DG6. FORMAL INVITATIONS

  1. The invitations to take part in the Deaflympics shall be issued at least one year in advance, separately, by both the ICSD and the OC and these invitations shall include the list of approved sports that will be part of the Deaflympics program.
  2. All documents including invitations, competition lists, entry cards, program and posters printed for use by the Organisers as well as any badges and medals must carry the logo and the name of the ICSD.

DG7. PROGRAM

  1. The Technical Directors for the respective sports shall approve the final competition schedule at least six months prior to the Deaflympics. The sports that will be part of the program for the Summer and Winter Deaflympics shall be those that are approved by Congress at the time of the bid.
  2. These sports that will be part of the program for the Deaflympics shall be limited to those recognised by the IOC.
  3. The OC shall consult with the ICSD EC on the proposed dates of the Deaflympics. The consultation shall decide on the exact dates of the Deaflympics on the basis of eliminating any potential conflicts with other ICSD recognised sporting events and shall be finalised not less than four years before the Deaflympics.
  4. The EC shall approve the events for each sport at least eighteen (18) months prior to the summer and winter program of the Deaflympics. The EC will take into consideration any prior decisions of the Congress, any submissions by the Technical Directors (TD) and the rules of the IF.
  5. The official program shall only include sports and events that have preliminary registrations from at least five countries and from at least two regions. Where a sport or event has less than five participants or less than two regions, this sport or event shall be cancelled. Where an individual event is cancelled due to the above rules, the Secretariat must notify the affected federations within fourteen (14) days after the deadline for preliminary entries and, where applicable, immediately after the deadline for final registrations.
  6. The ICSD must notify the affected federation and OC within fourteen (14) days after the deadline.

DG8. ADDITION AND DELETION OF SPORT

  1. A new sport may be introduced to the Deaflympics first as a demonstration sport. The ICSD EC may propose the new sport to the Congress as a medal sport at the next Deaflympics. For this proposal to be made, that sport must meet the following criteria:
    1. the new sport must have held a World Championship at least once;
    2. where the new sport has not held a World Championship; it must have held an international competition within the last three years and hosted a minimum of eight countries for either gender;
    3. the application for the new sport to be introduced must be submitted to the Secretariat four months prior to the Congress; and the Technical Commission shall evaluate the application for new sports and submit its recommendations.
  2. A sport shall be deleted from the summer or winter sport program of Deaflympics if that sport has not been part of the Deaflympics program at three successive Deaflympics.
  3. The program shall include sports practised by at least twelve (12) federations for Summer Deaflympics and six (6) federations for Winter Deaflympics from at least two regional confederations.

DG9. PARTICIPATION

  1. The Deaflympics shall bring together, in an honest and impartial competition, all deaf sports people.
  2. No discrimination shall be permitted against a federation or a person on the ground of race, religion, gender or politics.
  3. If an athlete has represented a country previously he can represent another country only once, after a two (2) year waiting period and may not compete for the original country or a new country.
  4. There is no age limit for competitors except where stated in the relevant International Sports Federations' regulations.
  5. The entry form must include the text of the eligibility code and the following declaration to be signed by president and secretary of the Federation: "We, the undersigned, declare that we have read the eligibility conditions for the Deaflympics and that we will comply with them. We agree to be filmed or photographed during the Deaflympics for purposes as authorised by the ICSD."
  6. No entry form shall be valid unless the above rules have been complied with.
  7. Only Full members of the ICSD are eligible to register competitors in the Deaflympics.
  8. Athletes from small countries without strong evidence of ability to establish national deaf sports federation may compete in Summer and Winter Deaflympics pending authorization from its National Olympic Committee or Sports Department. These athletes shall march under the Deaflympics flag.
  9. The National Federation may appoint one team official for every three athletes, plus one leader for each sport section within the National team. These officials do not include three (3) delegates attending the Congress. The team may include the following officials:
    • Team Manager/Director/Leader
    • Assistant Team Manager/Director/Leader
    • Assistant Section/Sport Manager/Leader
    • Coach
    • Assistant Coach
    • Masseuse/Trainer
    • Medical Officer/Doctor/First Aid Worker
    • Physiotherapist/Nurse
    • Administrative Assistant/Administrator
    • Interpreter

    Where a team has more team officials than the number permitted, the excess team officials will be charged an excess fee to be determined by the Executive Committee.

  10. The registration forms for the Deaflympics will be supplied by the ICSD.

DG10. IDENTITY CARDS

  1. The OC of the Deaflympics must supply an identity card to each participant and official.
  2. The OC shall verify all athletes' citizenship by checking appropriate documentation (passport or government issued photo identity card) to make sure all points below matches athletes' profile prior to issuing identity card to athletes.
    • Full name
    • Date of birth
    • Nationality
  3. The identity card shall contain the following particulars for the individual:
    • title, date and location of the Deaflympics;
    • family name;
    • given name(s);
    • nationality (except where the individual is a member of the ICSD EC or a ICSD TD);
    • date of birth (which will be required only of competitors);
    • sport (only for competitors and some officials);
    • role (which will be required of officials, for example, manager, trainer, interpreter and any other such individual); and
  4. The National Federations shall ensure that information given to the OC for these to be included on the identity cards is accurate.
  5. The OC may use alphabet or colour codes on the identity card for identification purposes. Particulars on identity cards cannot be amended without agreement from the Organising Committee.
  6. The identity card will give the athlete access to sporting areas at which he or she will perform as a competitor. Competitors without their identity cards will not be permitted to participate in any sport event entered.

DG11. CONTROL AND SANCTIONS

  1. An athlete, whose audiogram has not been approved by ICSD or has not previously been tested by the ICSD Audiologist, must submit to the ICSD at least three (3) months before the Summer/Winter Deaflympics an audiogram that is not more than one year old. This must be arranged prior to participation in any qualifying round or in the Deaflympics. If not provided, the hearing test will be conducted at the site of Deaflympics at the national federation's expense.
  2. The audiogram form for this will be supplied by the ICSD via its official website.
  3. ICSD supports the work of the World Anti-Doping Agency in developing the World Anti-Doping Code and shall follow the latest version of the Code.
  4. ICSD has established the ICSD Anti-Doping Rules[illegal embedded image] , in accordance with the Code, which will apply to the Deaflympics and other relevant international events.
  5. Any athlete participating at the Deaflympics may be requested to submit to a doping control at any time during the Deaflympics.
  6. In the event of an anti-doping rule violation ICSD may impose sanctions as outlined in the ICSD Anti-Doping Rules[illegal embedded image] .
  7. The OC is responsible for all expenses for doping controls conducted.
  8. The OC is responsible for setting up the infrastructure (including trained personnel, appropriate sample collection facilities, access to WADA Accredited Laboratory) to enable a doping control program to be conducted at the Deaflympics.
  9. The OC is required to distribute a Doping Control Guide, outlining the technical processes involved in the sample collection to all member nations.
  10. All member nations are responsible for ensuring that their athletes are informed about the ICSD Anti-Doping Rules[illegal embedded image] and its requirements.
  11. Any competitor refusing to take any tests shall be removed from the Deaflympics.
  12. Any athlete who fails any of these tests shall be excluded from all ICSD competitions for a fixed time or for life as determined by the EC. The banned athlete's name shall be removed from all documents and any medals awarded as part of the Deaflympics shall be confiscated.
  13. Where the athlete in question is a member of a team sport, the entire team shall be disqualified, its name removed from all official documents, and any medals awarded as part of the Deaflympics shall be confiscated.
  14. In the case of a fraud on the part of the competitor or team, the Member Federation shall be obliged to pay all expenses and fines imposed by the Executive Committee.
  15. All expenses for tests taken during the Deaflympics shall be borne by the OC.

DG12. TEAM SPORTS

  1. The preliminary registration for team sports must be made two and a half years prior to the Summer Deaflympics and one year prior to the Winter Deaflympics.
  2. Only one team per National Federation shall be admitted.
  3. The number of teams for the final round, in each sport and gender will, as a rule, be up to sixteen (16) teams, to be determined by the EC, based on the recommendation of Technical Director and the nature of sport.
  4. Where there is less than allocated number of teams registered according to DG12.3, additional entries may be accepted until a maximum number allowed is reached six (6) months prior to the opening date of the Deaflympics. The entry of team sports will be made upon the date of receipt of the application with the ICSD office. Should the ICSD office receive more than one team on the same day, a ballot will be held to determine the order of entry.
  5. Qualification for participating in the Deaflympics should automatically follow the results of championships within the regional federations unless a regional federation chooses to have qualifying rounds.
  6. The most current World Champion team in that sport will be automatically qualified and seeded number one if team meets the DG12.1 requirement. There will be no carry over to second (2nd) place winner if World Champion team cannot attend. A fair draw method will be applied according to the relevant International Sports Federation rules. If there was no World Championship in that sport since the last Deaflympics, a previous Deaflympics Champion will be automatically seeded number one.
  7. A fine will be levied for the withdrawal of a team from the final round as well as from the qualifying rounds. The amount of this fine is to be determined by the Congress that is conducted four years prior to the date of the Deaflympics.
  8. When a team is entered and is not required to participate in qualifying rounds before the date of the deadline for final registration entries, the team may withdraw without incurring a penalty from the ICSD.

DG13. INDIVIDUAL SPORTS

  1. There is no limit on the number of events that an individual athlete may enter.
  2. A fine will be levied on each non-starting athlete with an exception where there is a presentation of a doctor's declaration that the athlete should not be allowed to participate in the Deaflympics.

DG14. PRELIMINARY AND FINAL REGISTRATIONS

  1. The preliminary registration entries with information as to the number of athletes for each sport and event must be submitted with the Secretariat at least one year before the Deaflympics.
  2. The final registration list with the names of each athlete with his or her sport and event entered must be submitted with the Secretariat or OC at least one month prior to the opening of the Deaflympics. The submission may be by telefax or electronic mail. However, confirmation of the official registration form must be sent by express mail.
  3. In consultation with the EB, the Secretariat shall determine the closing dates for preliminary and final entry registrations. The OC will then be immediately informed.
  4. Final entries received after the closing date shall not be accepted.

DG15. ADVERTISING

Participants of the Deaflympics must abide by all directives issued by the ICSD EB with regard to the carrying or being attired with items that contain commercial advertising.

  1. The ICSD may approve the carrying or being attired with items that contain commercial advertising during the Deaflympics. The identification of the manufacturer or sponsor shall not appear more than once per item of clothing and equipment.
  2. Participants may wear competition clothing & shoes that show the traditional distinctive design of the manufacturer or sponsor. The manufacturer or sponsor's name and/or logo may also appear in size that is not greater than a total of 400 cm2 in both front and back, either as part of the traditional distinctive design pattern or independent of the traditional design pattern.

DG16. MEDIA CONTROL AND PARTICULARS

  1. All contracts entered into by the OC shall be in compliance with any directive from the EB and in accordance with the Deaflympics regulations. This will include, but is not limited to, contracts entered into with respect to any timing equipment, scoreboards and any broadcasting.
  2. To maximise the news coverage and to achieve the greatest possible audience for the Deaflympics, all sections of the local and international media shall be invited for accreditation for coverage of the competitions, and opening/closing ceremonies of the Deaflympics.
  3. A media team seeking accreditation must lodge a formal application with the ICSD no later than three months prior to the Deaflympics, and in its application, the media team shall indicate its agreement to comply with all directives of the ICSD, the OC or their nominees. The team will acknowledge its responsibility to pay for all costs involved (such as the hire of vehicles and equipment) and to supply the ICSD and the OC with a master copy of all their coverage. This includes articles in the print media and any record of videotape/film.
  4. When a local media network has been given accreditation to cover the Deaflympics, the ICSD, the OC and their nominees shall endeavour to give that media network access to the Deaflympics. The accredited network will comply with all directives of the ICSD, the OC and their nominees, including an undertaking on their part to bear all costs involved in the coverage.
  5. The ICSD EC (after consultation with the OC) reserves the right to grant or to decline the accreditation of any media team or to withdraw any accreditation that has been granted to a media network. The ICSD, in consultation with the OC shall determine a limit on numbers of members for each media team.
  6. Members of the media teams with media cards shall be permitted to enter sporting areas at the venues for photographing/filming purposes. Spectators shall not be permitted to enter those sporting areas for photography purposes. Spectators must remain within the spectator areas at all times. This includes the medal presentation ceremony.
  7. The results for each event shall be communicated, as soon as is convenient, to the Secretariat of the OC for insertion in the daily result announcements as well as in notices to be placed at various key locations.
  8. The Director of Communications of the OC shall bear the responsibility for the collection of all results and the printing of the daily result announcements. He or she shall ensure that one set of daily result announcements is distributed to the ICSD EB, to each TD, the senior members of the OC and to the leaders of the participating sporting teams. The distribution of these announcements may be via secure boxes at key locations.
  9. The Director of Communications should ensure that the results and any other pertinent sporting information are disseminated as widely as possible through the print and electronic media.
  10. MARKETING AND SPONSORSHIP
    The ICSD will be the party to any agreement for corporate sponsorship for the Deaflympics. The OC shall abide by the agreement entered to by the ICSD.
  11. ICSD FLAG, LOGO, MOTTO, ETC.
    The official ICSD flag, logo, motto, music and the name 'Deaflympics' and any associated ICSD trademark is the exclusive property of the ICSD. The ICSD may grant licences with respect to the use of ICSD property.
  12. PROPAGANDA AND ADVERTISING
    1. There shall be no political, religious or racial propaganda during the Deaflympics.
    2. Commercial installations and the showing of advertising signs are permitted in the stadium and sports grounds, subject to ICSD approval.
    3. The ICSD EC shall determine the conditions under which any form of advertising is allowed.
  13. MASCOT
    1. Any mascot created for the Deaflympics shall be a Deaflympics emblem, the design of which must be submitted by the OC to the ICSD EB for its approval. The mascot may not be used for any commercial purposes without the latter's prior written approval.
    2. The OC shall ensure that the protection of the Deaflympics mascot and any associated Deaflympics trademark will be in favour of the ICSD. Upon the expiration of the year in which the Deaflympics was conducted, the use of the Deaflympics mascot and any other associated trademark shall cease. The OC and/or the National Deaf Sports Organisation, as the case may be and to the extent necessary, shall act as trustees (in a fiduciary capacity for the sole benefit of the ICSD) in the use of the Deaflympics mascot and any associated Deaflympics trademark.
    3. The mascot may not be used for any commercial purposes outside of the country where the Deaflympics will be held, by a National Deaf Sports Organisation without the EC's prior approval. The ICSD will consult with the OC prior to granting of such permission.

DG17. FINANCIAL REGULATIONS

  1. The OC (or any agency) must offer accommodation facilities, meals and local transport (including public transport, transport between venues and any other travel support) at reasonable prices for all National Federations participating in the Deaflympics.
  2. Each delegation will be responsible for the cost of its travel, accommodation and support.
  3. The OC may appoint an agency to arrange the travel, accommodation and any other support for participants at the Deaflympics.
  4. The OC must pay for:
    1. as per DG3: #8;
    2. one visit of the President or his designate and technical directors to the site of the Deaflympics approximately one year before the Deaflympics,
    3. all travel and accommodation expenses for the ICSD President, the ICSD Executive Director, one interpreter, one audiologist for the period of the Deaflympics plus four days (before and/or after the Deaflympics); and the accommodation expenses for EC Members, all TDs (for the Summer and Winter Deaflympics respectively), one or two additional audiologists, all Honorary Members of the ICSD and any other guests invited by the ICSD. (Applies to 2011 and 2013 Deaflympics)
    4. all travel and accommodation expenses for the ICSD President, the ICSD Executive Director, one interpreter, one audiologist, and all TDs and assistants (for the Summer and Winter Deaflympics respectively), for the period of the Deaflympics plus four days (before and/or after the Deaflympics); and the accommodation expenses for EC Members, one or two additional audiologists, all Honorary Members of the ICSD and any other guests invited by the ICSD. (Effective at 2015 Winter Deaflympics)
  5. Any surplus derived from the holding of the Deaflympics must be distributed for the development of deaf sports, as follows:
    • 50% to ICSD;
    • 50% to the National Federation
  6. Where the expenses of the Deaflympics are greater than the income, the National Federation (or its OC) shall be fully responsible for making good the difference.

DG18. MEDALS AND DIPLOMAS

  1. The design of the medals and diplomas must be submitted to the ICSD EC for approval no later than 12 months prior to the Deaflympics.
  2. In all sports and events the first prize will be a gold medal and a diploma, the second prize a silver medal and a diploma, and the third prize a bronze medal and a diploma. All medals should have engravings stating type of sport and event for which the medal or diploma shall be conferred. There shall be no tie for the first (1st) place and a tie-breaker system will be used.
  3. In individual competitions, competitors placed fourth to eighth will be awarded diplomas.
  4. Each member of a winning team sport or team event, except those of a non-traditional nature (for example, those in which placing is determined by position of contestants in the individual competition) who has participated in at least one match or competition held during the Deaflympics shall be awarded the first prize. Each member of the second team the second prize and each member of the third team the third prize. The other members of these teams will be awarded diplomas but no medals. Members of teams placed fourth to eighth, if any, will be awarded diplomas only.
  5. In non-traditional team events only one medal shall be given to the team and its members shall receive diplomas only.
  6. The medals shall have the ICSD logo on the back.
  7. The diplomas shall carry logo of both the ICSD and the OB and shall be signed by Presidents of both ICSD and OC. The names of the competitors must be printed.
  8. The OC will offer a silver medal to each national delegation leader.
  9. No prizes or awards other than those described as above shall be given at the Deaflympics, and the OC shall deliver all surplus medals and diplomas to the ICSD at the conclusion of the Deaflympics.
  10. Where a Deaflympics competitor is disqualified, his or her medal and diploma must be returned to the ICSD. If this is not done, the National Federation shall be liable to suspension.
  11. The OC will supply ICSD with two specimens of each medal.
  12. The OC must hand over the moulds of all medals to the ICSD after the Deaflympics.

DG19. POSTERS

  1. A poster design must be submitted to ICSD EC within one year after the OC has been appointed.
  2. The poster must have the ICSD logo in a prominent position.
  3. Posters may be distributed only at or after the closing ceremony of the actual Summer/Winter Deaflympics edition.

DG20. PUBLICATIONS

  1. The National Federation (or its OC) shall forward to the ICSD within two months, a full transcript of all results in all sports and events for the Deaflympics, which then will be published.
  2. LOGO
    1. All publications, videos, films, official documents, reports of the Deaflympics or those related to the Deaflympics including any letterheads, artworks, medals and any other property, including any publications promoting the Deaflympics or any merchandise for sale to the public must show the ICSD logo on a prominent and visible location.
    2. A message from the ICSD President shall be included in all publications, public documents and brochures including the village guide, the final report or any official 'film' and all other communications.
  3. BROCHURE
    An explanatory brochure containing the general programme and the available facilities, equipment and services during the Deaflympics shall be printed in English as well as in the language of the country in which the Deaflympics are being held. The OC shall distribute the brochure to the ICSD and all National Deaf Sports Organisations two years before commencement of the Deaflympics.
  4. CIRCULARS
    During the Deaflympics, the OC shall publish a daily information newspaper for inhabitants of the Village, guests, personnel of the OC and the public. It will carry:
    • articles about athletes and performance in the official language of the OC with a translation into English;
    • advertisements, identification and 'advertorials' on behalf of ICSD sponsors; and
    • the highlights of the previous day's results
  5. COMPETITION RESULTS
    1. A complete result book of the Deaflympics shall be produced within one (1) month following the completion of the Deaflympics. The result book shall contain results attained in all heats and the final results, arranged at sport and classification level appropriate for inclusion in Deaflympic Record list.
    2. Fifteen (15) copies of this publication will be provided free of charge to the ICSD Headquarters immediately following publication.
    3. This publication is to be distributed free of charge to each National Deaf Sports Organisation, ICSD EC and TD.
  6. REPORT
    1. Within one year following the Deaflympics, a full and complete printed report must be prepared for ICSD, written in the official language of the country in which the Deaflympics are held. This must contain an authorised translation into English. Fifteen (15) copies shall be presented to the ICSD.
    2. This report shall be distributed free of charge to each National Deaf Sports Organisation and ICSD EC.
    3. Three (3) copies of all publications published by the OC during the organisation of the Deaflympics will be provided, free of charge, to ICSD as part of The Report.
    4. Two (2) copies of each item, created during the process of candidature and following through to organisation for the Deaflympics (medals, posters, souvenir items) directly linked to the Deaflympics shall be provided to ICSD, as part of The Report.
  7. OFFICIAL FILM
    1. The OC is strongly encouraged to produce a "film" or videotape or other generally accepted media such as DVD, of at least 40 minutes' duration and deliver the product to ICSD no later than six months following the Deaflympics, and observing the following that:
      • this product is to be a professional documentary with a captioned commentary in English;
      • the product must contain a credit to the ICSD in form of logo and words at the beginning and end of the product;
      • the product must contain a broad spread of events of all disciplines in all sports at all venues;
      • the product must contain international flavour and feature athletes pro rata with the number of gold medals won by countries;
      • the product should feature the main events in each sport;
      • two (2) copies of the product (one PAL, one NTSC) will be provided by the OC to ICSD with an "international sound effects audio track" enabling the later addition of a captioned commentary in any language;
      • two (2) sets of computer media containing the script of the commentary as recorded in English will be provided as part of the delivery of the product; and
      • where interviews with athletes, ICSD personnel or officials are included, these must either be in English - or contain simultaneous video or audio translations.

      The ICSD will not enter negotiations with any potential producer unless the above mentioned are to be strictly observed under the contract.

    2. Two (2) preview sub-master copies of the official film (one in PAL, one in NTSC) must be submitted to the ICSD for ratification, prior to the final mastering. Under no circumstances may the product be mastered without written approval from the ICSD.
    3. The production company acting as the host broadcaster may produce the product. Whilst the product will be owned by ICSD under the Host City/Organising Committee/ICSD contract, arrangements for use, distribution and broadcast of the product (subject to a later agreement) must be negotiated with the ICSD at least twelve (12) months prior to the Deaflympics.
    4. The producer may not enter negotiations for any television broadcast of the product whatsoever in any part of the world, unless and until given specific written permission by ICSD.
    5. The producer must understand the ICSD ownership of the product according to the contract between ICSD and the host OC.

DG21. PROTOCOL

  1. The OC must follow the Rules for the Opening and Closing ceremonies.
  2. The symbolic transferal of the ICSD flag at the Summer and Winter Deaflympics shall always be observed.
  3. The official ceremony for the presentation of medals is the sole responsibility of the EC. A TD may be master of the medals awarding ceremony.

DG22. TECHNICAL MEETINGS

  1. In order to clarify the roles and responsibilities of key personnel in the ICSD Executive, TDs and senior officers of the OC, a meeting of all these officers should be held on eve of the Deaflympics.
  2. A technical meeting for each sport will be held at least one day before the first competition for each sport.
  3. The Technical Committee, the Protest Committee, and up to two representatives from each participating country will attend the technical meetings. At least one representative must be deaf.
  4. The draw for knockout competitions (for example, in tennis) may take place during the meeting.

DG23. AUTHORITY & JURISDICTION (REFEREES, UMPIRES, & JUDGES)

  1. The EC shall appoint the TDs and Assistants who will be responsible for supervision of their sports. The TD will be a member of both the Technical Committee of their sports and the Protest Committee of that sport.
  2. The Technical Committee will consist of five members, one of whom will be the TD. The OC shall appoint the other four.
  3. The competition rules for each sport shall be those of the International Federations as amended where visual cues are to be used in place of auditory cues.
  4. The referees, judges, starters and other officials will be selected by the OC from among the most qualified in that country.
  5. The OC shall submit a copy of all referees" qualifications to Technical Directors, at least 14 days before the first technical meeting.
  6. The duties of the referees during the Deaflympics shall not conflict with their other professional responsibilities.
  7. Whenever possible, the Nationality of the Referee shall not be the same as the Nationality of players of one of the two teams playing.
  8. National federations may propose their international certified referees for service at the Deaflympics. However, these federations must bear all expenses of these officials, unless an agreement is made with the OC.
  9. The OC must be notified of the names of these referees and the sport in which they practice at least six (6) months prior to the Deaflympics.
  10. The OC shall have the complete discretion for the assignments of these referees.
  11. The OC shall recognize and utilize services of deaf referees who have passed a certification course in refereeing organized by associate members.

DG24. PROTESTS & APPEALS (DISPUTES)

  1. The ICSD President or his nominee will have authority to determine any disputes relating to the Deaflympics submitted for determination by the National Federation (or its OC) or the participating National Federations.
  2. Sporting protests made to the ground, in matters of competition, shall be determined by these judges. The matters over which these judges may determine will be limited to protest that have been made in writing, in English, no later than two (2) hours after the results of the competition have been declared. The rules of the applicable International Sports Federation must be referenced for disputes that require further clarification.
  3. An appeal against a decision of an official may be made with the Protests Committee. A deposit, the amount of which will be determined by the Executive Committee, must accompany the appeal.
  4. An appeal against the decision of the Protests Committee may be made by an official of the protesting delegation with the Jury of Appeal of the Deaflympics within four (4) hours after the decision of the Protests Committee in the first instance has been declared.
  5. The Protests Committee will consist of five members, one of whom will be the TD. The OC shall appoint the other four.
  6. A Jury of Appeal will consist of five members, three of whom will be appointed by the EC. The OC will appoint the remaining two.
  7. Where protest is successfully upheld, the deposit will to be returned to the applicant.
  8. The EC (after consultation with key representatives e.g. Medical Commission, & Athletes Commission) shall have jurisdiction in matters concerning the hearing or doping of an athlete.

DG25. TECHNICAL REGULATIONS

  1. The EC and the TDs will establish technical regulations for each sport and, if necessary, for each event on the program of the Deaflympics.
  2. These technical regulations shall be in accordance with the Rules of the Olympic Games or the current IF rules that are valid at least six (6) months before the Deaflympics.
  3. These technical regulations shall be electronic published and sent to all affiliated National Federations six months before the Deaflympics.
  4. All facilities and equipment shall be provided for all sports that have been included in the programme of the Deaflympics. All facilities must accessible to Deaf persons and be conveniently located near the Main Stadium and the accommodation areas of the athletes.

DG26. VENUES

Summer Deaflympics Facilities:

  • The Main stadium shall have a 400m track, a minimum of eight lanes, and artificial surface with adequate area for the athletic field events. Electronic timing of international standard must be available for the finish of all running events. This site should, where possible, be used for the opening and closing ceremonies and for football matches as a prelude to these ceremonies.

    The following facilities shall be available as follows:
    • Athletics- a 400m/8 lane track on artificial surface, with electronic timing of international standard and with adequate facilities for field events, all running and field events surface approved for international competition;
    • Badminton - a hall with at least four (4) courts approved for international competition;
    • Basketball - at least two (2) international size basketball courts approved for international competition plus warm up courts (if necessary, two (2) separate halls with at least two (2) courts can be used for separate tournaments of men and women);
    • Beach Volleyball - at least two (2) sand courts approved for international competition;
    • Bowling - hall must have at least 24 lanes approved for international competition;
    • Cycling - roads with one that is straight for at least 5000m and roads for long distance approved for international competition;
    • Football - a minimum of six (6) football pitches with correct dimensions and good quality level grass surface approved for international competition (in addition to the Main Stadium);
    • Judo - TBA;
    • Karate - TBA;
    • Orienteering - an approved international accredited course;
    • Shooting - Ranges (with facilities for air weapons as well) approved for international competition;
    • Swimming - 2 or 3 indoor and/or outdoor pools (50m, and/or water polo arena and a warm up pool). The finishing end of the pool must be equipped with electronic timing, pools and timing equipment approved for international competition;
    • Table Tennis - hall with space for up to 24 tables approved for international competition;
    • Taekwondo - TBA;
    • Tennis - at least eight (8) courts approved for international competition;
    • Volleyball - one (1) venue consisting of two (2) courts -or- two (2) venues consisting of one (1) court in each venue, all courts approved for international competition;
    • Wrestling - hall with space for at least 2 mats approved for international competition.

    All competition venues must have electronic scoreboards. They may be either permanent or portable.

Winter Deaflympics Facilities:

  • Alpine Skiing - International Ski Federation (FIS) pistes for slalom, super giant slalom, giant slalom, combined and downhill alpine events with the appropriate maintenance and grooming;
  • Cross Country Skiing - tracks for 5km, 10km, 15km and 30km in accordance with the rules and regulations of the FIS;
  • Curling - an indoor skating rink with at least four (4) sheets approved for international competition;
  • Ice Hockey - an indoor skating rink approved for international competition (in accordance with requirements of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF));
  • Snowboarding - half pipe in accordance with FIS regulations. FIS pistes are required for Giant Slalom and Parallel Slalom.

All competition venues must have electronic scoreboards. They may be either permanent or portable.

Deaflympic Park:

Summer and Winter Deaflympics shall consider having a Deaflympic Park as a meeting place for prize ceremonies, information center, meeting place, etc. It should be near the City Square or Deaflympics Village.

DG27. TRANSPORT

  1. LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
    1. The OC shall ensure that transportation is available between lodgings and venues for all ICSD officers, officials and competitors. The officials and competitors are only provided with transport to and from the venues where they are competing or officiating. Only official members of the competing teams, ICSD officials, officials of the OC may be permitted to use the transportation services. Where possible, personal cars for immediate transport shall be at disposal of the TD in all sports.
    2. Athletes and officials wishing to use the transportation service to observe sporting events for which they are not registered may, at discretion of the OC, may be charged for using the service.
    3. This transportation service shall be available for the period from two days prior to the Opening Ceremony up until after the Closing Ceremony. If the OC so desires, it can provide transfers between Airport and competing teams' accommodation.
  2. ICSD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
    1. Personal cars must be available for use by the President and the Executive Director at all times, and a people mover vehicle (van) provided for use by the members of the EC.
    2. The OC shall provide transportation for the official ICSD party to attend the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Deaflympics.
  3. TRANSPORTATION PLAN
    1. The OC must include in its regular reports to the ICSD EC, information relating to the Transportation Plan outlining all transport arrangements to enable athletes and officials to commute between venues, hotels and any other relevant location.
    2. The ICSD EC may call upon the OC to prepare progress report on Transportation Plan at any time.

DG28. MEDICAL CARE AND FIRST AID

  1. The OC shall be responsible for the provision of adequate medical support (doctors, nurses, dentists and any other medical officer) during the Deaflympics.
  2. All team doctors, nurses and chiefs of missions shall be informed as soon as possible upon arrival as to the resources and contact details for all medical support services.
  3. First aid stations shall be available at all competition areas. These shall be adequately staffed with medical and first aid personnel and ambulance facilities for emergencies.
  4. The services of a nurse shall be available 24 hours a day. There shall be a back-up physician, available, on call.
  5. Hospital services, consisting of emergency rooms and hospital beds to deal with more serious difficulties shall be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  6. Necessary facilities where physiotherapists can treat competitors shall be available. There shall be a provision for visiting therapists to treat their own teams.
  7. Adequate space must be made available in the accommodation for countries wishing to establish their own sports injury and medical clinics.

DG29. ACCOMMODATION AND PARTICULARS

  1. Deaflympics VILLAGE
    1. Where possible, the OC shall provide adequate accessible accommodation, for all competitors and team officials to be housed and fed together at a reasonable price. Any special arrangements to the contrary require approval from the ICSD.
    2. The Deaflympics Village shall be open at least one week (7 days) prior to the opening ceremony and closed three (3) days after the closing ceremony of the Deaflympics.
    3. The Village shall be located as close as possible to the main stadium, practice fields and other facilities and be accessible for the use by Deaf people.
    4. Accommodation shall be arranged for technical delegates, officials, judges, umpires, timekeepers and any other officials appointed by ICSD and the OC.
  2. INHABITANTS OF THE VILLAGE
    Competitors and people with official duties will stay in the Village. TD, officials, referees and jury members may stay at the Deaflympics Village.
  3. HOUSING
    1. The OC shall, in consultation with the ICSD, provide adequate accessible housing for Deaf sports people. Housekeepers will ensure the proper use of the rooms and be available to address any housing issues.
    2. Bathroom and restrooms shall be cleaned daily. Bedrooms and offices shall be cleaned on a regular basis (every 2 days).
  4. MEALS
    The OC shall seek information from countries whether special food for religious or any other special dietary requirements and make those available for specific competitors.
  5. MAIL CENTRE
    A mail distribution centre shall be situated in the Village. This centre will sort and distribute incoming mail for the inhabitants of the Village. The centre shall be responsible for the dissemination of information about sports venues, any meetings taking place on that day, any daily results and any daily circulars.
  6. RECREATION FACILITIES
    The OC shall make available a recreational programme for athletes and any other participant. This will include information about the social and cultural program for that city.
  7. LAUNDRY
    The OC shall provide laundry facilities for all participants at the Deaflympics.
  8. ACCOMMODATION FOR EC MEMBERS
    1. All members of the ICSD EC and TD shall be lodged in the ICSD Headquarters hotel at the expense of the OC. The OC shall provide all meals and laundry services for those lodged at the ICSD Headquarters. The venue of ICSD Headquarters shall be at a hotel approved by the ICSD.
    2. Rooms shall be provided for ICSD EC, ICSD staff (for example, Audiologists, Interpreters and any other ICSD staff) and ICSD guests on a full board basis as above.
    3. The OC will provide free of charge, a meeting room capable of hosting a meeting for up to 25 people and lounge area. The suite is to be fully serviced with snacks, fruit and limited beverages on a daily basis.
    4. The OC will provide an office area capable of accommodating eight persons. The office will contain:
      • Six (6) desks;
      • Two (2) work tables;
      • one (1) photocopier, with 5,000 sheets white copy paper;
      • four (4) PC or laptop with Microsoft Office attached to 2 laser printers;
      • one (1) fax machine with direct international access;
      • two (2) telephones and a mobile phone with e-mail capabilities for all EC and TDs.
  9. ACCOMMODATION (in the absence of a Deaflympics Village)
    1. The OC shall provide adequate accessible accommodation at reasonable prices for all competitors and officials so that they may be housed and fed, in close proximity, if not at the same place.
    2. The accommodation shall be available to any sporting team at least six (6) days prior to the opening ceremony until one (1) day after the closing ceremony.
    3. The accommodation shall be located as close as possible to the main stadium, training and competition sites.
    4. Arrangements shall also be made for accommodation of judges, umpires, referees, timekeepers and any other officials appointed by the OC.
    5. The OC will be financially responsible for the lodging expenses of the ICSD EC, TDs and judges, umpires, referees and any other person at the discretion of the ICSD in consultation with the OC. These personnel should be accommodated in a four or five star accommodation in close proximity to major sporting venues.
    6. Athletes' accommodation shall be restricted to competitors, officials and members and staff of the OC. Supporters and visitors should be accommodated separately from the athletes.
    7. Sporting teams shall be responsible for their members' special meal requirements.

DG30. GAMES PERSONNEL AND SUPPORT

  1. INFORMATION GROUP
    The OC will provide training to an information team. This team shall occupy the information offices at the Headquarters Hotel and at key venues. This group will be responsible for the dissemination of information about the Deaflympics sports programme and a social programme consisting of details about the cultural and historical locations of the host city for officials, competitors and spectators.
  2. ATTACHES
    1. A pool of attaches shall be made available for any ICSD guests of honour and any official guests. The attaches will also assist at the opening and closing ceremonies.
    2. the OC shall train a group of attaches to provide support to the sporting teams. The number of attaches will be proportionate to the number of team members. All attaches should be fluent in the international signs. The attaches shall attend meetings with the team leaders and provide support to the sporting teams and their staff.
  3. ORGANISING TEAM MEETINGS
    1. the OC will arrange daily meeting in an appropriately equipped room where the EC, TD and OC shall get together to discuss the day activities and to plan for following day programs. The room shall be large enough to accommodate up to 30 persons in Summer Deaflympics or 20 for Winter Deaflympics.
    2. the room shall be equipped with a laptop computer, LCD projector, an overhead projector and a screen. This facility may also be utilised for meetings by any sporting team with prior booking with the OC.
  4. INTERPRETERS
    The OC shall make available a pool of qualified interpreters. The OC shall make available to each sporting team an interpreter fluent in International Signs.
  5. SECURITY
    1. The OC shall be responsible for the security of participants and all equipment. They shall engage security officers and liaise with embassies and police regarding any special security arrangements.
    2. The OC shall be responsible for the security of participants and all equipment for the duration of the Deaflympics only (refer to DG2), and does not cover for events/functions occurring immediately before or after the Deaflympics.
  6. VOLUNTEERS
    The OC shall provide a pool of volunteers with a local knowledge about all venues and the sporting program. These volunteers will give support to all participants as to directions and location of key locations.

DG31. VIOLATIONS

In the event of any penalty procedures not covered in these regulations of the above clauses will result in penalty fees issued by the EC for any person or the organisation concerned. The decision of the ICSD EC regarding this matter shall be final.

DG32. MISCELLANEOUS

In the event of circumstances not covered in these regulations, the ICSD Constitution and by-laws shall be referenced, and where appropriate, the International Sport Federation Regulations and the Olympic Charter shall be followed.


Approved at the 42nd ICSD Congress – September 2009 in Taipei, Chinese Taipei