Deaf football is generally very similar to that of mainstream football. Within deaf-specific competitions, such as the English Deaf Football (EDF) League & Cup, all players must have a hearing loss of 55dB minimum in their better ear to qualify to play. Audiograms must be sent to governing body office to be verified and registered with the International Deaflympics Committee.
What are the Rules of Deaf Football?
Deaf football follows either futsal or 11-a-side laws of the game, as laid down by FIFA, with only one adaptation:
- All players must remove their hearing aids and cochlear implants during games to ensure a degree of fairness for all players
Official FA Guidelines state that during mainstream football players are able to wear hearing aids if they wish to do so. In general fixtures the choice of removal would be to the player and their parents, not the match referee.